SAL1 Greenville Drive

Late Runs Push Drive Past Sand Gnats, 4-2

Published on July 14, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Savannah, GA - Not known for his power, Vladimir Frias broke a 2-2 tie ballgame at Historic Grayson Stadium with his fourth home run of the season, lifting a third pitch offering from Sand Gnats reliever Brandon Sage (2-5) over the leftfield wall.

The eighth inning round tripper proved to be the eventual game-winner, as Michael Almanzar tacked on a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth, and the Drive (50-40, 14-7) defeated Savannah (50-40, 8-12) 4-2 in the series opener.

In his longest outing since April 14th, Drake Britton went the first four innings for Greenville.

Although he didn't factor into the decision, the southpaw pitched effectively, allowing a run on four hits while fanning four.

Reliever Tom Ebert (8-1) picked up his team-leading eighth win of the season, finishing off the Sand Gnats by tossing the final five innings.

The only run that the right-hander allowed came in the bottom of the fifth, giving Savannah their only lead of the game.

After a leadoff double by Alex Gregory, Ebert tossed two wild pitches which allowed the leftfielder to advance to third and then score.

Following heavy showers that delayed the start of the game by an hour and fourteen minutes, it didn't take the Drive long to get on the scoreboard.

Jeremy Hazelbaker led off the top of the first with a single, then swiped his team-leading 38th base of the year.

A balk by Darin Gorski setup a sacrifice fly from Ronald Bermudez.

The Sand Gnats, however, were able to tie the game in Britton's final inning, the bottom of the fourth.

The Drive and Sand Gnats continue their five-game series on Thursday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM.

Right-hander Ryan Pressly (3-5, 4.14 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Savannah counters by sending right-hander Tyler Whitenton (4-4, 3.66 ERA).

Following the series in Savannah, the Drive return home on Tuesday, July 20th for a four-game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 14, 2010


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