SAL1 Greenville Drive

Britton, Bayer Combine for 1-0 Shutout of RiverDogs

Published on September 2, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - After scoring 17 runs in the previous two games versus the Charleston RiverDogs, there wasn't much of an outpouring by the Drive (76-59, 39-25) in the series finale Thursday night. But then again, there was none by Charleston (62-73, 31-35).

Behind Drake Britton's (2-3) career-high 10 strikeouts in 5.0 scoreless innings, followed by 4.0 more shutout frames by Jeremiah Bayer, Greenville picked up a 1-0 victory, closing out the series with three consecutive wins.

The game's only run came in the Drive's very first at bat, as Michael Almanzar singled home Zach Gentile with two outs off of Mike Solbach (4-6). The run, which was unearned, was setup as Gentile singled up the middle with one out and advanced to second on a Hector Rabago passed ball.

In his best start to date, the left-handed Britton easily disposed of the RiverDogs lineup, retiring seven straight batters at one point which also included striking out the side in the bottom of the third.

The only time the southpaw's gem was in jeopardy was in the bottom of the fourth when Charleston had the bases loaded with two outs. Britton, however, was able to get out of the jam when he induced Neil Medchill into an inning-ending flyout.

Other than when they scored in the top of the first, the Drive never threatened again to add to their lead. Only three more baserunners would move into scoring position against the RiverDogs' hurlers.

Bayer made sure that the game was safe, scattering three hits and a walk over the final four innings, earning his 10th save of the season.

With the win, the Drive remain 1.5 games ahead of the Tourists in the South Atlantic League's Southern Division standings as Asheville easily defeated the Hickory Crawdads. Greenville's magic number is 3, with Saturday being the earliest that they could clinch the second half championship.

The Drive return home from the lowcountry to conclude the 2010 regular season at Fluor Field with a four-game series against the Hickory Crawdads, beginning tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Kendal Volz (6-5, 3.85 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville while the Northern Division's wild card winner Hickory will counter with right-hander Miguel De Los Santos (2-2, 4.36 ERA).

Following Friday's game, fans will be treated to the second to last fireworks display at Fluor Field in the 2010 season. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, or luxury accommodations, call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from September 2, 2010


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