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Greenville Drive

Drive Come up Just Short Versus Sand Gnats, 3-2

July 15, 2010 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Savannah, GA - The Drive (50-41, 14-7) recorded 12 hits Thursday night, but squandered plenty of scoring chances as they were just 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position, while leaving nine runners on base.

Their inability to come up with the clutch hit led to a tough 3-2 loss at Historic Grayson Stadium versus the Savannah Sand Gnats (51-40, 9-12).

The Sand Gnats, the South Atlantic League's first half Southern Division champion, struck in the bottom of the first off starter Ryan Pressly (3-6) with two outs.

R.J. Harris who reached on a one-out single, came around to score from second on Travis Ozga's base hit.

But the Drive quickly answered with a run in the top of the second, but could have done more damage.

Ronald Bermudez led off with a double and advanced to third on a single by Shannon Wilkerson.

However, the right-fielder was gunned down at the plate when he attempted to score on Reymond Fuentes' groundball to Savannah third baseman Jefry Marte.

Christian Vazquez tied the game when he singled off Taylor Whitenton (5-4), but another runner was erased at the plate when Fuentes tried to score on a wild pitch, bringing a close to Greenville's at bat.

Savannah regained the lead in the bottom of the second, however, scoring once again with two outs.

This time it was Wilfredo Tovar coming up with the key hit, lacing a two-out single to right, allowing AJ Harris to score from second.

Two extra-base hits with two outs in the bottom of the fifth gave Savannah their third run, which proved to be the game-winner, and a two-run lead at the time.

Marte knocked in his second run of the game when he followed Cesar Puello's double with a triple.

Although Armando Zerpa held the Sand Gnats scoreless over their final two at bats out of the pen, the offense couldn't get much going to complete a come-from-behind victory.

Greenville scored their final run in the top of the seventh on Derrik Gibson's two-out single, scoring Zach Gentile.

Seven of the Drive's batters recorded a hit, including five who had two hits - Gibson, Bermudez, Shannon Wilkerson, Michael Almanzar, and Gentile.

With the series even at a game apiece, the Drive and Sand Gnats will meet in game three of the four-game set on Friday at 7:05 PM.

Greenville will send left-hander Manuel Rivera (2-7, 3.43 ERA) to the bump while Savannah counters with right-hander John Church (5-0, 1.01 ERA).

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

Not only is the first game of the series a BI-LO Tasty Tuesday where kids 12 and under eat free, but it's also "Silly Bandz Night." For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 15, 2010


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