SAL1 Greenville Drive

Gibson Delivers in 5-4 Walk-Off Win

June 13, 2010 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Derrik Gibson went 1-for-5 in the game for the Greenville Drive (33-31), but the bases-loaded two-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted Greenville to a 5-4 victory over the Greensboro Grasshoppers (29-35).

Gibson's walk-off single easily scored Dan Butler from third, and Christian Vazquez beat the throw home to score the winning run from second base for the Drive.

Reynaldo Rodriguez began the ninth inning with a single to center, and moved to third on a double by Reymond Fuentes. Alejandro Ramos walked pinch-hitter Dan Butler before throwing a wild pitch, scoring Rodriguez. Ramos (2-5) then intentionally walked Christian Vazquez to reload the bases. Michael Thomas struck out, and Jeremy Hazelbaker reached on a fielder's choice to set up Gibson's heroics.

Drive starter Pete Ruiz pitched six solid innings, allowing seven hits and three runs, walking none, earning a no-decision. He was relieved by Pedro Perez (4-3), who allowed three hits and one run in three innings.

Greensboro opened up the scoring in the third inning when Carlos Paulino led off the inning with a single. Two batters later, Jose Duarte lined a home run to left field to give the Grasshoppers a 2-0 lead.

Justin Bass led off the top of the fourth with a triple, and scored on Rand Smith's sacrifice fly to add to Greensboro's lead.

The Drive got one run back in the bottom of the fifth. With two out, Christian Vazquez hit a single and was driven in on a double by Michael Thomas. It was the first two hits of the game for the Drive, and the only two hits allowed by Grasshoppers starter Chad James.

Jeremy Hazelbaker reached base four times in the contest, twice via the walk. His lone hit of the game was a double in the eighth inning with one out. He later scored a run after Ronald Bermudez doubled with two outs in the inning, to cut the lead to 3-2.

Bass scored his second run of the game in the top of the ninth on Chris Wade's third hit of the game, a single to left field.

Ronald Bermudez led the Drive offense with two hits and one RBI in the game. Christian Vazquez scored two runs, including the winning run to end the game.

The Drive look to build on today's win when they take on the Greensboro Grasshoppers in the second game of the three-game set. They will send left-hander Drake Britton (0-1, 2.89 ERA) to match up against right-hander Natividad Dilone (1-1, 2.80 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05pm at Fluor Field.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from June 13, 2010


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