SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Bitten By Sand Gnats Again, 6-2

Published on April 17, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Savannah, GA - Manuel Rivera's bid to begin the 2011 season with wins in each of his first three starts was thwarted Sunday afternoon, as the Savannah Sand Gnats (5-5) defeated the Drive (6-5) for the third straight game at Historic Grayson Stadium, 6-2.

Greenville had plenty of opportunities to pick-up the victory, but once again lacked the key hit, as they left 13 runners on base recorded just two hits in 15 at bats with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile the Sand Gnats, who tallied two less hits than the Drive in the game, were 5-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

Following an unearned run by Savannah in the bottom of the first, Greenville answered by loading the bases in the top of the second. Brandon Jacobs knocked a leadoff double, followed by Drew Hedman being hit by a pitch and David Renfroe beating out an infield single. But none of the three runners would cross home plate as Sand Gnats starter Chase Huchingson struckout the next three batters.

The Sand Gnats extended their lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Rivera's (2-1) final inning of his outing. All three runs came with two outs, as Robbie Shields collected an RBI-single, and Sam Honeck belted a two-run homer.

Just like they had trouble in the top of the second, the trend continued in the fifth and sixth innings in which Greenville had runners in scoring position, but came away with nothing. It wasn't until the top of the seventh that the Drive were able to get on the scoreboard, when Miles Head delivered a two-run double. The two-base hit scored James Kang and Bryce Brentz, cutting the Drive's deficit in half.

But once again the Sand Gnats were able to counter the Drive's effort, with single runs off reliever Garret Rau in the seventh and eighth innings.

The Drive and Sand Gnats conclude their four-game series Monday evening with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Greenville will send right-hander Kyle Stroup (0-1, 6.00 ERA) to the mound to avoid the sweep, while Savannah counters with right-hander Greg Peavey (1-0, 3.60 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 17, 2011


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