SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Endure Eight-Run Eighth, Lose 9-7 to Tourists

Published on May 30, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive (25-26) witnessed a four-run lead evaporate in the bottom of the eighth, as the visiting Asheville Tourists(23-28) jumped all over a pair of Greenville relievers en route to scoring eight runs and capturing a 9-7 victory Monday night at Fluor Field.

Kyle Stroup only gave up one run during his four inning start, after getting off to a very auspicious start. The right-hander needed 27 pitches to get out of the top of the first inning, walking a pair of batters and surrendering an RBI-double to Corey Dickerson. But Stroup settled down over his final three innings, allowing just two more hits before being relieved.

The Drive quickly tied the game in the bottom of the first, coming to the rescue of their hurler as Brandon Jacobs recorded a two-out, RBI-single. Greenville responded an inning later by sending all nine batters to the plate, scoring three more runs.

Lucas LeBlanc broke the tie with an RBI-single, following Joes Garcia's leadoff double, before Christian Vazquez and Drew Hedman each knocked in a run.

Chris Martin pitched 3.1 innings allowing two runs to score on two Tourists' hits. He was then relieved by Juan Rodriguez (0-2), who had a tough outing for Greenville. The Drive's third right-hander of the night gave up six runs while recording just one out in the pivotal eighth inning. The eight run explosion saw Ashville send 12 batters to plate before Tyler Lockwood came into record the last four outs of the game.

Felix Sanchez continued his hot streak at the plate extending his hit streak to six games. Sanchez was 3-for-4 with three runs and another stolen base brining his season total to 16. All three of Sanchez's hits were infield singles, including a well placed bunt single in the bottom of the second.

Both Hedman and Vazquez had a good night at the plate together, driving in five runs for the Drive. Vazquez helped to spark a late rally for the Drive, bringing home Sanchez and Coyle in the bottom of the ninth making the score 9-7 in favor of Ashville.

The Drive and Tourists conclude their three-game series at Fluor Field with first pitch for Tuesday's rubber match set for 7:05 PM. Left-hander Manuel Rivera (4-1, 4.14 ERA) will head to the mound for Greenville, while Asheville counters with right-hander Erik Stavert (1-3, 8.74 ERA).

Back by popular demand, tomorrow's game will feature the popular "Playcation" package. For just $40, fans will get four tickets to Tuesday's game plus four hot dogs, four Pepsis, and four passes to both The Children's Museum of the Upstate and Camelot Cinemas. 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 was 3,510...during his current 6-game hit streak, Felix Sanchez is batting .565 (13-for-23) with 3 RBI and 6 runs scored

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 30, 2011


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