SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Falter in 8th Inning, Lose to Intimdiators 3-2

Published on May 5, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Kannapolis, NC - The Drive (14-13) led the Kannapolis Intimidators (15-10) for seven-and-a-half innings on Thursday at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. But all that mattered was the final score, as the home team scored three times in the bottom of the eighth to capture a 3-2 come-from-behind victory in the series opener.

For the second time this season, Kyle Stroup tossed 5.0 shutout frames, exiting with the lead in tact to only see the bullpen deny him of a victory. The right-hander limited Kannapolis to four hits and walk during his outing, striking out one. After getting knocked around in his previous two starts, only two baserunners reached were ever in scoring position Thursday night against Stroup, with none making it to third base.

The Drive spotted Stroup a pair of runs before he even stepped foot on the mound, and for most of the game it appeared as if it would be enough. Heiker Meneses drew a lead off walk, and promptly stole second before scoring on Bryce Brent ‚¬â„¢s single. Christian Vazquez gave Greenville a two-run advantage with a one-out, RBI-single.

With his single, not only did Brentz extend his league-leading hit and on-base streaks, but he also set the Drive franchise on-base record by reaching base safely in his 26th consecutive game. The record of 25 games had been held by Jeff Natale since the 2006 season.

Kannapolis ‚¬â„¢ trio of starting pitcher Matt Heidenreich, Jake Wilson (2-0) and Phil Negus were able to keep the game from getting out of hand, but holding the Drive scoreless over their final eight at bats. Greenville had their best opportunity to add some insurance runs in the top of the seventh when they had the bases loaded with one out, but were unable to push across a run.

Following three scoreless innings of relief, in which he was able to work around a pair of defensive miscues, Keith Couch ‚¬â„¢s (0-1) luck ran out in the bottom of the eighth. Kannapolis reeled off three straight singles with one out, aided by a fielding error by Brentz, which gave them the lead. Kyle Eveland ‚¬â„¢s two-run base hit proved to be the game-winner.

The Drive will look to rebound in game two of the series on Friday, as they continue their eight-game road trip. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM as right-hander Anthony Ranaudo (1-1, 2.95 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Kannapolis counters with lefty Spencer Arroyo (1-0, 4.98 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on May 13th, but before that their home-field will feature some exciting collegiate baseball action. The Clemson Tigers and Furman Paladins meet on Tuesday, May 10th, while the USC-Upstate Spartans take on The Citadel Bulldogs the following day. First pitch for both games are at 7 PM. For more information regarding single-game tickets, luxury accommodations, group outings, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

GAME NOTES: Bryce Brentz is hitting .348 (23-for-66) with 4 homers, 9 RBI, and 19 runs scored during his 17-game hit streak ‚¬Â¦Miles Head extended his hit streak to 8 games, hitting .531 (17-for-32) with 5 homers, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored ‚¬Â¦ Bryce Brentz is hitting .355 (22-for-62) with 4 homers, 8 RBI, and 19 runs scored during his 16-game hit streak

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 5, 2011


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