SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Pull off Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Crawdads

Published on July 1, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive rallied behind Billy

McMillion's (44-35, 6-3) first ejection of his managerial career for a 3-2 come-from-behind victory Friday night at Fluor Field over the Hickory Crawdads (45-32, 5-4). After a strong performance from all-star pitcher Manuel Rivera, the Drive secured the win in a pivotal sixth inning.

Yet another quality start from the southpaw almost went down as a loss, but the Drive bats came alive to save the day. Rivera scattered two hits over 5.0 innings and gave up his only run in the first inning of the game. Both of the hits he allowed were off the bat of Crawdad second baseman

Odubel Herrera, who scored after his first of two singles in the game. Rivera settled down after that, however, only giving up one more hit in his final four innings of work while striking out and walking two batters.

The Drive Bullpen came into pitch the final four innings, to open the series with a win over Hickory. Justin Erasmus (2-0) pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters before he was relieved by Dennis

Neuman.

Neuman recorded the final six outs for the Drive with only one blemish, on the way to picking up his third save of the year. Hickory third baseman Christian Villanueva, hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth to pull the Crawdads within one run but

Neuman closed the door on the Hickory rally.

Crawdads starter Cody

Buckel pitched well enough to deserve the win but his bullpen could not preserve it for him.

Buckel struck out 10 Greenville batters in 5.1 innings before being replaced by tonight's losing pitcher Nick McBride (0-1), who gave up all three runs in the only inning he pitched.

The Greenville rally started in the sixth inning after Manager Billy

McMillion got tossed from the game for the first time in a Drive uniform, his 220nd game since taking the helm in 2010.

McMillion argued about the third strike called on Carson Blair that appeared to be a foul tip from his view on the third base line. The ejection inspired the Drive start a two out rally, which saw four batters reach base consecutively.

The crucial hit of the inning came from Drew

Hedman who delivered a two-run double to right center, scoring Sean Coyle and Brandon Jacobs. Michael

Almanzar then drove in what proved to be the game winning run, with a single that brought home

Hedman.

The Drive will look to pick-up another win over the Crawdads, who own the South Atlantic League's best overall record, on Saturday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM.

Right-hander Brandon Workman (2-4, 3.90 ERA) will be activated from the disabled list prior to the game to start for Greenville, taking the mound for the first time since June 19th, while Hickory counters with former Drive hurler, right-hander Roman Mendez (6-1, 4.50 ERA).

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 July 1, 2011


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