SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Suffer 5-4 Walk-Off Loss in Kannapolis

Published on May 7, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Kannapolis, NC - Heart-wrenching losses have plagued the Drive (15-14) in two of their first three games at Fieldcrest Cannon. In the opener on Thursday, the Intimidators (16-11) erased a two-run lead in the bottom of the eighth for the victory. On Saturday, they did it again, this time scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 5-4 walk-off win.

Tied 2-2 heading into the game's final inning, the Drive scored a pair of runs, which appeared would be enough to capture their 16th win of the season. Drew Hedman led off with a double and scored on Lucas LeBlanc's single. Greenville doubled their advantage as LeBlanc went to second on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on an error.

However, the victory was not meant to be. Following three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, Hunter Cervenka (0-2) recorded just one out in the bottom of the ninth before being relieved by Garrett Rau. The southpaw, who entered the game with more walks than strikeouts on the year, didn't experience any control issues until the ninth.

But after walking two and hitting another batter to load the bases, Cervenka surrendered a two-run single to Michael Blanke to tie the game. With Rau then on the mound, Kyle Eveland delivered the game-winner with a single up the middle, scoring Drew Lee from second.

The Drive got on the board quickly, as Miles Head's RBI-groundout scored Heiker Meneses in the top of the first. Two innings later, Greenville extended their early lead when Sean Coyle led off with a triple and scored as Bryce Brentz followed with a single.

But the Intimidators answered with a fair of runs in the bottom of the third off Drive starting pitcher Brandon Workman. The right-hander, who is still looking for his first professional pitching victory, allowed the two runs on five hits and a walk over 5.0 innings, while fanning three.

The Drive will look to earn a split with the Intimidators as the series concludes Sunday, with first pitch set for 5:05 PM. A pair of right-handers will square off for their respective teams, as Miguel Celestino (2-1, 4.63 ERA) toes the rubber for Greenville. Kannapolis will counter with Paul Burnside (2-0, 3.52 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.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 7, 2011


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