SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Drop Second Straight Game Versus 'Jackets, 7-2

Published on June 7, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive (29-30) offense mustered just five hits off of three Augusta pitchers, and the GreenJackets (36-23) scored five runs off of the bullpen to defeat the Drive 7-2.

Greenville and Augusta were locked in a tight 2-1 game until the seventh inning, when Augusta scored four runs off of Greenville reliever Pedro Perez to extend their lead.

Augusta's four-run seventh inning was highlighted by a two-run triple by Evan Crawford, the fourth hit of the inning. Tommy Joseph and Hector Sanchez singled before an RBI double by Juan Martinez. Crawford drove in Sanchez and Martinez, and scored when Nick Liles hit a sacrifice fly.

Manuel Rivera (2-6) earned the loss despite pitching six innings and allowing just two unearned runs. He scattered five hits and walked one while striking out five.

Rivera gave up both of his runs in the fifth inning when Sanchez doubled to lead off the inning, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on a throwing error. Martinez reached on the error, and later scored on a sacrifice fly.

The Drive offense was stymied by Augusta starter BJ Salsbury (5-3), who pitched seven innings of five-hit ball. His only mistake was against catcher Michael Thomas, who hit a home run to left field in the bottom half of the third inning.

The Drive got one run back in the eighth when Jeremy Hazelbaker reached on an error, stole two bases, and scored on a throwing error. Mitch Lively then walked Derrik Gibson, but quickly got the next three men out to end the inning.

Augusta scored their final run in the ninth when Martinez singled, moved to third, and scored on a fielder's choice hit by Liles. It was Martinez's third run of the game, and Liles's third RBI of the game.

Ryan Verdugo came in relief of Lively and put the Drive down in order in the ninth to end the game.

The first three men in the order, Hazelbaker, Gibson, and Ronald Bermudez, reached base seven times in 12 plate appearances for the Drive. But the rest of the order went 3-for-23, unable to take advantage of the runners on base.

Greenville will try to earn a series split by sending southpaw Drake Britton (0-1, 3.45 ERA) to match up against Augusta's Jeremy Toole (2-1, 1.97 ERA). First pitch for the final game of the homestand will be at 7:05pm.

Tuesday is also Spartanburg Community Night at Fluor Field, as well as "BI-LO Tasty Tuesday" where kids 12 and under get a free hot dog, bag of Lay's potato chips, and a 12 ounce Pepsi. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 7, 2010


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