SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Come Up One Run Short, 6-5, in 14 Innings

Published on April 16, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Savannah, GA - Despite plenty of opportunities to come away with a victory at Historic Grayson Stadium, the Drive (6-4) managed to let Saturday's game slip through their grasp, falling 6-5 to the Savannah Sand Gnats (4-5) in 14 innings.

The difference in the ballgame was Greenville's inability to tally the key hit, leaving 16 runners on base and finishing 2-for-20 with runners in scoring position.

The Drive struck for the game's first run in the top of the third, as Miles Head belted a two-out, solo homer. Two innings later that lead was extended to two runs, even though the Drive didn't record a hit. Christian Vazquez drew a two-out walk, and came all the way around to score as Brandon Jacobs reached on a fielding error by Sand Gnats' right-fielder Javier Rodriguez.

Although he surrendered a hit in each inning, Greenville starting pitcher Miguel Celestino was able to get through the first four innings unscathed. His luck ran out in the bottom of the fifth, however, as he recorded just one out before being pulled in favor of Dennis Neuman. The right-hander was tagged for four runs - three earned - as Savannah took a two-run lead.

In the top of the seventh, the Drive pulled within a run on Head's second RBI - a run-scoring groundout - only to see the Sand Gnats counter with a run of their own in the home half of the inning.

But with single runs in the top of the eighth and ninth innings, the Drive forced the game into extra frames.

It wasn't until the bottom of the 14th that the Sand Gnats emerged as the winner. With an overworked bullpen, the Drive sent infielder James Kang (0-1) to the hill. Making his professional pitching debut, Kang allowed back-to-back, one-out doubles off the bats of Rodriguez and Wilfredo Tovar to finally bring an end to the game.

The Drive could had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 12th, as they were able to push a pair of baserunners in scoring position with one out, but were unable plate a run.

With the way the bullpen pitched for the Drive, they deserved better fortune. Neuman, Juan Rodriguez, Jordan Flasher, and Tyler Lockwood combined to allow just one run on 2 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 12 over 8.2 innings. Flasher only allowed one baserunner, a walk, in 3.0 innings while Lockwood was perfect in the 12th and 13th innings.

The Drive and Sand Gnats continue their four-game series tomorrow afternoon with first pitch set for 2:05 PM. Lefty Manny Rivera (2-0, 0.90 ERA) looks to earn his third consecutive win in as many starts to begin the season for Greenville, while Savannah counters with southpaw Chase Huchingson (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

Following the nine-game road trip that includes a rematch with the RiverDogs in Charleston, and an off day, the Drive return home to Greenville on Monday, April 25th. For more information regarding single-game tickets, luxury accommodations, group outings, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 16, 2011


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