SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Hang-on For 7-6 Win Over Braves

Published on June 11, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Rome, GA - The Drive came close to letting one slip away Friday night at State Mutual Stadium. But they were able withstand a three-run ninth by the Rome Braves, who left the tying run at second base, capturing a 7-6 victory in game two of the three-game series.

Following three scoreless innings in relief by Chris Court, the Braves were glad to see a new pitcher in Jordan Flasher, take the mound for their final turn at bat. With a single, double, and a walk, Rome was able to load the bases before Robert Hefflinger cleared the bases with a two-out double.

Representing the tying run, second base would be as far as the right-fielder would get, as Flasher got out of the jam by ending the game when Jake Hanson struckout.

Despite falling behind 1-0 after an inning of play, the Drive tied the game in the second when Reymond Fuentes tripled, and scored as Zach Gentile followed with a single. By sending eight batters to the plate in the top of the third, Greenville plated three runs to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Christian Vazquez begin the inning with a base hit and following an error that allowed Jeremy Hazelbaker to reach base, the duo scored when Dan Butler laced a hard single off Rome starting pitcher Cory Rasmus (3-4). The hit forced the right-handed all-star to exit the game. Michael Almanzar capped the inning with an RBI-single.

The Braves would not go quietly though, scoring twice in the bottom of the fourth off Ryan Pressly (2-3) to pull within a run.

But another Rome error in the top of the fifth, would lead to two more runs by the Drive. Butler led off with a single and scored when Fuentes reached on a two base throwing error by shortstop Jordan Kreke. Once again, Gentile knocked in the speedy centerfielder with a single.

Greenville's final run came in the top of the eighth when Mike Thomas, who replaced Butler in the top of the sixth, delivered a two-out RBI-single.

The Drive and Braves conclude their three-game series Saturday with first pitch set for 7:00 PM. Right-hander Kendal Volz (4-2, 3.33 ERA) will take the ball for Greenville in the rubber match, while Rome counters with right-hander Robinson Lopez (2-3, 3.28 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Sunday, June 13th for the final home series of the first half of the 2010 regular season, playing host to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. In addition to Family FunDay, the series opener will be "Drive Out Colon Cancer" presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

In addition to former Major Leaguer Eric Davis at the ballpark, the Drive will wear commemorative wrist bands that will be available for purchase during a silent auction.

For more information regarding single-game tickets, luxury accommodations, and group outings, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 11, 2010


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