SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Bully RiverDogs' Relievers, Win 9-3

Published on June 14, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - For the first five innings on Tuesday, the Drive were held in check by Charleston starting pitcher Zach Nuding, garnering just a pair of hits. But when the right-hander exited, the flood gates opened as Greenville (33-32) erased a three-run deficit en route to a 9-3 victory over their cross-state rival RiverDogs (25-40).

With Charleston going to the bullpen to start the sixth, the Drive collected three consecutive base hits off of reliever Yobanny Reyes (0-1), including an RBI-double by Miles Head to get on the scoreboard. An inning later Greenville sent 11 batters to the plate, bombarding Reyes and Thomas Kahnle for six more runs.

The Drive chased Reyes in the seventh without even recording an out, after allowing the first three batters to safely reach base again, with Lucas LeBlanc's RBI-single pulling Greenville within a run. Kahnle's luck wasn't any better, with Christian Vazquez's single knocking in a pair while Head, Henry Ramos and Xander Bogaerts each collecting an RBI.

Although the Drive were held scoreless in the eighth, they closed out the game with two more runs in their final at bat, making sure that no Charleston reliever would keep them from crossing home. Nathan Forer, the third and final hurler from the bullpen for the RiverDogs, gave up two more runs as Ramos lifted a sacrifice fly and Bogaerts added an RBI-triple.

Greenville's bullpen on the other hand, was much more efficient after starting pitcher Brandon Workman was only able to last 4.0 innings. Scott Swinson (2-1) retired the first seven batters he faced before surrendering a one-out single to Garrett Lassiter in the bottom of the seventh. It would be the only runner the right-hander allowed in his three shutout innings, while fanning four.

Strikeout master Juan Rodriguez continued his dominance of opposing South Atlantic League batters, closing the door on the RiverDogs with the 2.0 scoreless frames. With his four strikeouts, the 21-year-old now has 62 punchouts in only 36.2 innings in 2011.

The Drive will look to capture their third straight series victory as they finish their seven-game road trip on Wednesday at Riley Park, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM versus the RiverDogs. Right-hander Kyle Stroup (1-5, 5.19 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Charleston counters with right-hander Shane Greene (2-6, 4.15).

Following Wednesday's contest, the Drive return home to Fluor Field to closeout the first half of the 2011 regular season with a four-game series versus the Savannah Sand Gnats. Thursday's opener is set for 7:05 PM, and is Dollar Drink Night at the ballpark. 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: Despite a Drive victory, the Savannah Sand Gnats clinched the Southern Division's 1st half title by defeating the Rome Braves...Savannah holds a 5.5 game lead over Greenville with 5 games remaining

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 14, 2011


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