SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Claim Series with 10-7 Win Over GreenJackets

Published on April 10, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive offense used a big first inning, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring six runs, while sprinkling in a few added insurance runs throughout Sunday's finale to claim stake to a 10-7 win over the Augusta GreenJackets (1-3). With the victory, Greenville improved to 3-1 and sits atop the South Atlantic League Southern Division by themselves in the early going to 2011.

Five hits, along with three Augusta defensive miscues, made for a very long bottom of the first - especially for GreenJackets hurler Edwin Escobar (0-1). While only three of the runs were earned, the lefty did not pitch into the second inning.

Each of the Drive's first four batters reached base, accounting for two of the runs as Felix Sanchez scored on a passed ball and Lucas LeBlanc crossed home on a throwing error. Brandon Jacobs and Sean Coyle each collected an RBI in the inning with a double and sacrifice fly, respectively, before a third error accounted for the sixth run of the inning.

Poor defensive play seemed to be contagious, as Brandon Workman was saddled with a pair of unearned runs in the top of the second when Jason Thompson's two-out throwing error extended the frame. The Red Sox 2010 2nd round selection out of the University of Texas, Workman lasted only 2.0 innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and two walks, while striking out four.

Greenville extended their lead to seven runs over the third and fourth innings. Sanchez, who finished 3-for-4, knocked in his second run with a two-out single in the third. An inning later, James Kang singled home a run of his own and Thompson drew a bases loaded walk.

Following a scoreless third inning from Jordan Flasher (1-0), in which he struckout two, Hunter Cervenka came on to hurl 4.2 innings. The lefty cruised through the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, allowing only one baserunner - a walk - before running out of gas in the eighth.

He surrendered five hits and 2 runs, but was eventually charged with four runs as Dennis Neuman gave up a home run to Devin Harris with two inherited runners aboard.

Jacobs gave the Drive their second double-digit run total of the series when he hammered a solo home run to left-center field in the bottom of the eighth.

The Drive now welcome the Charleston RiverDogs, affiliate of the New York Yankees, to Fluor Field for a four-game series beginning Monday at 7:05 PM. Right-hander Miguel Celestino will make his 2011 debut as he toes the slab for Greenville, while Charleston counters with RHP Zach Nuding.

During Monday's game, the 2011 Drive Reading All-Stars, presented by Michelin, from Greenville County middle schools and Spartanburg Districts 2, 5, and 6 schools will be honored. More than 21,000 students from those schools qualified during this year's highly successful program. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, luxury accommodations, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

GAME NOTES: Attendance was 4,021...Drive starting pitchers have not allowed an earned run in 14.2 innings...the Drive and GreenJackets combined for 16 errors during the four-game series (Greenville - 8; Augusta - 8)...total attendance at Fluor Field during the opening series was 20,625 (5,156 per game)...that total surpassed the ballpark-high of 20,471 set in 2006

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 10, 2011


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