SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Erase Six-Run Deficit, Defeat RiverDogs 13-8 in Slugfest

Published on July 28, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The only thing hotter than the Summer heat at Fluor Field on Thursday night was the Greenville Drive (55-48, 17-16) bat rack. The Drive offense was scalding hot in the first game of the series, as every starter collected at least one hit. Add in a furious comeback in the middle innings, and that was more than enough for the Drive, as they grabbed a 13-8 victory over the visiting Charleston RiverDogs (41-62, 15-18).

The game was moving along rapidly until the RiverDogs put up a 5-spot against Drive starter Miguel Celestino in the top of the third. Jose Mojica reached on an error with one out, and Eduardo Sosa walked. Anderson Feliz then singled to right, scoring Mojica. Kevin Mahoney then doubled down the right field line, bringing home Sosa. Gary Sanchez came up next and laced a two-run triple to right field, and Ramon Flores capped the scoring in the frame with an RBI single to left to plate Sanchez.

Charleston added a single run in the fourth. Garrison Lassiter hit a leadoff single, moved to second on a groundout and advanced to third on a passed ball. He came in to score when Feliz singled back through the box to make the score 6-0.

Greenville began their charge back in the bottom of the fourth with three runs off Charleston starter Scottie Allen. Jacobs got things started with a double high off the Green Monster in left. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, he came home on a single by Vazquez. Henry Ramos followed with a double into the left field corner, moving Vazquez to third. Two batters later, Almanzar lofted a high fly ball off the Monster to bring Vazquez and Ramos home.

The RiverDogs added two more runs in the top of the fifth. Drive reliever Juan Rodriguez (2-4) was greeted rudely by Sanchez, who doubled to right to begin the frame. A walk and a single loaded the bases with nobody out. Sanchez came in on a passed ball that advanced everyone 90 feet. Lassiter hit a one-out RBI groundout to cap their scoring.

The Drive answered with three more runs in the bottom half. Felix Sanchez drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Sean Coyle singled through the left side to advance Sanchez to third, and Jacobs drove Sanchez in with a sacrifice fly to right field. Vazquez then doubled to the wall in center, plating Coyle all the way from first. After a walk and a hit by pitch loaded the bases, Almanzar drew a walk, bringing in Vazquez.

Greenville scored three more in the bottom of the sixth to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish. With Francisco Rondon (1-2) hurling, Wilfred Pichardo dropped a bunt single down the first base line to start the inning, and Sanchez followed with an infield single.

After the two pulled off a one-out double steal, Jacobs hit a grounder to short, and RiverDogs shortstop Jose Mojica's attempt to nail Pichardo at home bounced in the dirt to allow the run in. Sanchez and Jacobs successfully pulled off another double steal, and Sanchez's throw to third bounced into left, bringing Sanchez in. Vazquez capped the inning with a double to right-center to score Jacobs and make the score 9-8.

The Drive offense put up their fourth consecutive three-run inning in the bottom of the seventh. David Renfroe walked with one out and stole second with two outs. Sanchez then singled to center, plating Renfroe. Sanchez stole second, and after a Coyle walk, Jacobs pounded a two-run double to center, pushing the lead to 12-8.

Greenville added an insurance run in the eighth. Ramos walked, stole second, and moved to third on a passed ball. Xander Bogaerts singled up the middle to bring him home for the Drive's final run.

Sanchez and Vazquez each collected three hits for Greenville. Sanchez scored three runs, while Vazquez drove in three. Jacobs added two hits and four RBI, while Almanzar picked up three RBI.

The Drive and RiverDogs continue their four-game series on Friday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from Fluor Field. Right-hander Kyle Stroup (2-5, 4.50 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Charleston counters with southpaw Steve Evarts (1-3, 5.33 ERA).

The Drive will try to cool things off at Fluor Field with "Christmas in July," featuring a post-game fireworks display with your favorite holiday music. 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: This was the 3rd time this season the Drive erased a deficit of at least 6 runs and won (6 runs on April 30th versus Asheville; 7 runs on June 1st at Hagerstown)...this was the Drive's 23rd come-from-behind victory and 13th at Fluor Field...Felix Sanchez's 40 stolen bases is 3rd in franchise history for a single-season, trailing Jeremy Hazelbaker (63) and Reymond Fuentes (42) - both in 2010

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 28, 2011


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