SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Double up Tourists, 10-5, Behind Four Home Runs

Published on May 9, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Asheville, NC - Manuel Rivera almost gave up more runs in three innings Monday night, than he had in his previous six starts, totaling 31.0 innings. The 21-year-old endured his shortest stint of 2011, giving up four runs on seven hits at McCormick Field. Fortunately for the southpaw, the Drive (16-15) offense outdueled Asheville (15-16) for a 10-5 victory in the series opener.

Greenville jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, behind a leadoff homer by Heiker Meneses and RBI-single by Christian Vazquez, only to see it evaporate in the bottom of the third. Former Clemson two-sport standout Kyle Parker tied the game with a two-run homer, and Chandler Laurent ‚¬â„¢s two-run double swung the momentum in Asheville ‚¬â„¢s favor.

Following a perfect frame by reliever Juan Rodriguez, the Tourists tacked on their fifth run in the bottom of the fifth. But Greenville began mounting their comeback, by tying the game in the top of the sixth.

With two outs in the inning, the Drive needed only two hits, but took advantage of a pair of Asheville errors. Bryce Brentz ‚¬â„¢s single accounted for the tying run before the Drive broke the game wide open over their final three at bats.

Greenville ‚¬â„¢s final five runs all game on home runs, as Brandon Jacobs put the Drive up by a pair of runs on his two-run shot in the top of the seventh. Vazquez added a solo homer in the top of the eighth before Brentz capped the evening with a two-run homer in the ninth.

While the offense routed the Tourists ‚¬â„¢ bullpen, relievers Jordan Flasher (2-1) and Garrett Rau combined for four scoreless innings to seal the victory.

The Drive and Tourists continue their four-game series on Tuesday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from McCormick Field. Right-hander Kyle Stroup (1-2, 7.11 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Asheville counters with right-hander Josh Mueller (0-1, 4.38 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: With is 3-for-6 night, Bryce Brentz extended his on-base streak to 30 games, and his hit streak to 21 games ‚¬" both are the highest of their kind in the South Atlantic League this season ‚¬Â¦8 of the Drive ‚¬â„¢s 9 batters recorded a hit ‚¬Â¦Brandon Jacobs has a hit in 13 of his last 14 games, including 8 multi-hit efforts

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 9, 2011


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