SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Falter Late as Tourists Secure 4-3 Walk-Off Win

Published on August 16, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Asheville, NC - The Drive (65-54, 29-20) jumped out to a three-run advantage through four innings Monday night in their series finale with the Asheville Tourists (58-60, 29-20). However, the usually reliable bullpen sputtered late, with Asheville eventually scoring a pair in the bottom of the ninth for a 4-3 victory.

Not only was it the first walk-off loss that Greenville has suffered all season, but with 20 games left in the regular season the chase for the Southern Division title remains cloudy as the Drive and Tourists are tied.

All of Greenville's runs came early as they scored in three of the first four innings. Derrik Gibson drew a leadoff, advanced to third on Vladimir Frias' single and scored as Jeremy Hazelbaker reached on an error.

Two innings later Shannon Wilkerson led off with a triple before Gibson followed with an RBI-single. Wilkerson capped the Drive's scoring in the top of the fourth with a two-out RBI-double.

After holding the Tourists scoreless through four innings, Greenville starter Drake Britton was tagged for a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. The left-hander allowed the first four batters to reach base with Dallas Tarleton ripping an RBI-single. Asheville pulled within a run when Delta Cleary grounded into a double play.

When the Drive turned to the bullpen, it appeared as if their victory was safe, until the bottom of the ninth inning. Tom Ebert (9-4) only allowed one baserunner in his first three innings of relief, but things quickly turned south in Asheville's final at bat.

Nolan Arenado led off the inning with a double, advanced to third on a wild pitch and tied the game on a throwing error by catcher Sean Killeen. Following a walk to Angelys Nina, Tyler Massey was intentionally walked to load the bases. Tarleton grounded into a fielder's choice as the Drive were able to get the first out at the plate.

But with Dennis Neuman replacing Ebert, Orlando Sandoval delivered the game-winner with a one-out base hit.

The Drive now head to Lexington, KY for a four-game series with the Legends. Right-hander Kendal Volz will toe the rubber for Greenville in the series opener at Applebee's Park, while Lexington counters with right-hander Tanner Bushue.

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Saturday, August 21st for an eight-game homestand, beginning with cross-state rival, and New York Yankees affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, or luxury accommodations, call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

GAME NOTES:

OF Jeremy Hazelbaker stole his 53rd base of the season in the 7th inning...it is the most by a Red Sox farm hand since at least the 1990 season (according to Baseball-Reference.com)...Lew Ford had 52 stolen bases in 2000.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 16, 2010


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