Drive Cruise to Victory Behind Ranaudo's Performance
May 28, 2011 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Greenville, SC - Anthony Ranaudo showed why he is the number one pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization Saturday night. The offense gave Ranaudo the lead early in the game and he didn't look back as the Drive (24-25) cruised to a 5-2 victory over the Kannapolis Intimidators (25-21).
The 6'7" right-hander only needed 68 pitches to get through six innings en route to picking up his fourth win of the season. The former LSU Tiger matched a career-high with eight strikeouts, while not issuing a walk. The only blemish on Ranaudo's night came in the fifth inning when he gave up two hits, the second being a two-run home run by John Spatola.
Keith Couch came in to relieve Ranaudo in the seventh inning and closed out the game for Greenville. Couch pitched three scoreless innings and did not allow a hit, while striking out two batters and earned his third save of the season.
The Drive offense was lead by the duo of Felix Sanchez and Sean Coyle, who batted first and second in the order. Sanchez was 1-3 at the plate with two RBI's and a run scored, while also picking up his 12th stolen base during the month of May.
Coyle was 2-for-4 and scored a pair of runs, while also swiping two of the Drive's six stolen bases. The 19-year-old second baseman accounted for the game's first run in the Drive's first at bat as he hit a ball to deep center but slipped rounding first so he could not advance to second. He then proceeded to steal second and third base, then went home after the throw by catcher Mike Blanke went awry.
David Renfroe also had a solid performance for the Drive. Renfroe was 1-for-2 at the plate but scored two runs. He hit a triple in the third inning and then was brought home on Sanchez's sacrifice fly. Renfroe was walked in the seventh inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Heiker Meneses. Once again he was driven in by Sanchez, with his only hit on the night.
Henry Ramos also hit his first home run in a Drive uniform in the fourth inning tonight.
The Drive now welcome the Asheville Tourists to Fluor Field for the second time this season, closing out the seven-game homestand with a three-game series. Right-hander Brandon Workman (0-3, 3.96 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville in the opener still in search of his first pro victory, while Asheville counters with right-hander Albert Campos (2-3, 6.96 ERA).
Following tomorrow's contest, fans will be treated to the second fireworks display of the homestand, celebrating Memorial Day. 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: Attendance 5,148...with his 0-for-4 performance, Mile Head's hit streak was snapped at 15 games...the Drive improved to 7-3 when Anthony Ranaudo is the starting pitcher...Greenville is now 20-0 when leading after 8 innings...the Drive improved to 9-3 (4-1 at Fluor Field) in series finale games
South Atlantic League Stories from May 28, 2011
- BlueClaws Crush Greensboro 13-1, Win 3rd Straight - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Rome earns series split with 7-3 win over Legends - Lexington Legends
- 'Dads fall to RiverDogs, 6-3, in series finale - Hickory Crawdads
- Ninth Inning Rally Lifts West Virginia To 5-3 Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
- GreenJackets Avoid Sweep With 3-2 Win - Augusta GreenJackets
- Drive Cruise to Victory Behind Ranaudo's Performance - Greenville Drive
- Roller's Round-Tripper Helps RiverDogs Earn Series Split - Charleston RiverDogs
- RiverDogs Ring in June at the Joe - Charleston RiverDogs
- Gnats Game Notes: Saturday, May 28 at Augusta - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
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