SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Squash Sand Gnats, 8-3, in Southern Division Series Opener

Published on September 8, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Sand Gnats starting pitcher Armando Rodriguez (0-1) took the mound at Fluor Field boasting the third best earned run average in the South Atlantic League during the regular season. That didn't scare the Drive, who sent the right-hander to the showers after three-plus innings, while plating seven runs.

That was more than enough runs for a duo of Greenville hurlers, who surrendered just a pair of runs en route to an 8-3 victory in Game 1 of the Southern Divisional Championship Series.

The Sand Gnats struck the game's first blow, plating a run of southpaw Drake Britton (1-0) in their first at bat. Luis Nieves drove a ball down the leftfield line for a double to open the game, advanced to third on Matt Den Dekker's sacrifice bunt, and scored when Jordan Abruzzo reached on a fielding error.

Greenville would put runners on base in the first and second innings, but failed to score a run before the floodgates opened up in the bottom of the third. All nine hitters stepped into the batter's box, accumulating five runs on four base hits and a key error.

Three of the Drive's hits in the inning were two baggers, as back-to-back reigning South Atlantic League Player of the Week Reynaldo Rodriguez and Christian Vazquez each tallied two-run double, while Reymond Fuentes added a sacrifice fly.

The barrage continued an inning later as the Drive added two more runs. Shannon Wilkerson, who finished the game 4-for-4, led off with a single and came all the way around to score on Jeremy Hazelbaker's tripe. That base hit mercifully brought an end to Rodriguez's outing as Savannah called on the bullpen.

Reynaldo Rodriguez added an RBI-double as Greenville extended their lead to six runs.

In Britton's final inning, the top of the fifth, the Sand Gnats were able to push another run across the board. Cody Holliday, who led off the inning with a double and moved to third on Matt Den Dekker's infield single, eventually scored on a wild pitch.

Greenville plated their final run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI-single off the bat of Wilkerson, while Savannah scored in the top of the 8th on a run-scoring single by Holliday.

Following an off day on Thursday, the Drive will travel to Savannah for Game 2 of the series with the Sand Gnats. First pitch from Historic Grayson Stadium is set for 7:05 PM, as Greenville will send right-hander Chris Balcom-Miller (7-7, 3.30 ERA) to the mound in search of the two-game sweep. Savannah will counter with right-hander Taylor Whitenton (8-9, 4.57 ERA).

Should the Drive clinch the Southern Division Championship for the second consecutive year, Fluor Field would play host to Games 1 and 2 of the South Atlantic League Championship Series on Monday, September 13th and Tuesday, September 14th. First pitch for both games would be at 7:05 PM, and tickets are currently on sale. For more information regarding single-game ticket, luxury accommodations, and group outings, call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from September 8, 2010


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