SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Blasted by BlueClaws, 8-2, in Series Opener

Published on July 20, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Somewhere along the 12-hour trek up Interstate 85 and the New Jersey Turnpike, the Drive (50-46, 12-14) offense took a slight detour, showing up late to the series opener at FirstEnergy Park as the Lakewood BlueClaws (47-47, 14-12) garnered an 8-2 victory.

A trio of BlueClaws hurlers - which included Major Leaguer Brad Lidge on a rehab assignment from the Phillies - dismantled the Drive, allowing three hits and two walks, while striking out 10. Starter David Buchanan (10-5) did most of the damage as he retired the first 13 batters he faced, taking a no-hitter into the top of the fifth until Xander Bogaerts drilled a one-out single.

Before Greenville even put a runner on base, the BlueClaws had built a three-run lead over Keith Couch (3-3), who endured his first loss in almost a month. Lakewood struck for two runs in their first at bat, coming on an RBI-triple from Zach Collier and Jim Murphy's single, before Cameron Rupp added a run-scoring single in the second.

While Couch did settle down from there, retiring 15 of the next 16 batters he faced to conclude his six inning outing, his offense did him no favors. It wasn't until the top of the seventh that Drive got on the board, as Henry Ramos' triple scored Christian Vazquez and Bogaerts lifted a sacrifice fly, pulling Greenville within a run.

The momentum quickly shifted back to the BlueClaws favor, as Lidge tossed a perfect eighth inning before a five-spot by Lakewood's offense crushed the Drive's hopes of a come-from-behind victory. Juan Rodriguez was pelted for four hits - three of which went for extra bases - including a two-run single by Rupp and a two-run double off the bat of Edgar Duran.

The Drive will look to rebound in the second game of the series on Thursday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Scott Swinson (2-2, 2.44 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Lakewood counters with lefty Jesse Biddle (5-6, 3.10 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Thursday, July 28th to closeout the month with a four-game series against the Charleston RiverDogs. 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: Henry Ramos extended career-high hit streak to 13-games, hitting .407 (22-for-54) with 5 RBI, 7 runs scored and 8 multi-hit games over that span...Brad Lidge was the 3rd Phillies Major Leaguer to rehab against the Drive (right-handed pitcher Clay Condrey and infielder Gary Dobbs rehabbed with the BlueClaws during the 2009 South Atlantic League Championship Series)

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 20, 2011


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