SAL1 Greenville Drive

GreenJackets Avenge Opening Day Loss, Defeat Drive 6-2

Published on April 8, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - A night after they tallied double-digit runs and hits, the Drive (1-1) lacked an offensive spark at Fluor Field, falling 6-2 to the Augusta GreenJackets (1-1) in front of 5,007 fans. Greenville managed just four hits, and scored their only runs in their first and final at bats of the game.

It appeared as if the offense would pickup where they left off from Thursday, as Felix Sanchez laced a lead-off triple and scored on Lucas LeBlanc's groundout. But after being held by the duo of Mario Rodriguez and Jacob Dunnington (1-0) scoreless from the second through the eighth innings, the Drive went quietly.

Making his first appearance on the mound in game action since the 2009 season, Kyle Stroup needed just 65 pitches to get through 5.0 scoreless frames. The right-hander, who was recovering from a torn ACL in 2010, allowed just a hit and a walk, while striking out six.

But when Stroup exited, the bullpen wasted his gem. Juan Rodriguez was erratic during his 1.2 innings, allowing a run on one hit but walked four. Jordan Flasher went the same amount of innings, but gave up two more runs before Dennis Neuman was the final victim.

The 2010 South Atlantic League All-Star selection recorded the game's final two outs, but not before giving up three runs on three hits, including a two-run rocket off the bat of Adam Duvall.

Jose Garcia accounted for the Drive's final run, with a two-out solo homer in the bottom of the ninth.

The Drive and GreenJackets continue their four-game series Saturday evening, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at Fluor Field. Right-hander Anthony Ranaudo, the 39th overall selection in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of LSU, makes his professional debut for Greenville, while Augusta counters with right-hander Austin Fleet.

Throughout the game, fans will be treated to the crazy antics by Reggy, the "Purple Party Dude." For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, luxury accommodations, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 8, 2011


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