SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Drop One-Run Game, 3-2, to Rome Braves

August 1, 2011 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Superman has kryptonite, and apparently the Greenville Drive (58-49, 20-17) have the Rome Braves (42-64, ). Despite an overall record of 42-33 against Southern Division foes, the Drive have had the most trouble figuring out the Atlanta affiliate, as they dropped to 4-7 against the Braves following a 3-2 loss Monday night.

Manuel Rivera's near perfect 5.0 inning outing was wasted, as the Braves countered with three runs - one earned - once the southpaw exited the game. Rivera allowed a one-out single to Tommy La Stella in the bottom of the first before holding Rome hitless over the remainder of his stint.

The only other base runner that the Braves were able to get was when David Rohm reached on an error in the second.

Equally as impressive on the bump was Rome's Willie Kempf, who allowed just an unearned run on two hits over 7.0 innings. The Drive struck for the game's first run in the top of the second when David Renfroe reached on a two-base throwing error by shortstop Matt Lipka. Carson Blair then followed with an RBI-single.

After Rivera exited at the start of the bottom of the sixth, the Braves were able to tie the game against reliever Scott Swinson (3-3). Aided by a failed pickoff attempt following Lipka's single, Edward Salcedo delivered a two-out, RBI-single to get Rome on the scoreboard.

Just as the Braves were able to plate a quick run against the Drive's bullpen, Greenville was able to do the same against Chasen Shreve (4-4) in the top of the eighth. Drew Dominguez drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second when Felix Sanchez laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, and moved up to third on a wild pitch. Wilfred Pichardo then delivered an RBI-double to regain the Drive's lead.

But Greenville failed to take further advantage in the inning, as Pichardo and Brandon Jacobs were stranded on third and second, respectively, when Drew Hedman and Xander Bogaerts both struckout.

The lack of a hit or fly ball proved costly as the Braves scored a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth. Tony Mueller led off by reaching on Bogaerts' second error of the game and game around to score on La Stella's double. Salcedo delivered another run-scoring hit as well, with an infield single.

Gus Schlosser was able to work around a leadoff single by Michael Almanzar in the top of the ninth to earn his fifth save of the season.

The Drive and Braves continue their series on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Miguel Celestino (8-4, 3.98 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Rome counters with right-hander Aaron Northcraft (3-7, 3.50 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Friday, August 5th for a four-game series with the Lexington Legends. 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: 9 of the 11 games between the Drive and Braves have been decided by one run...after having one RBI in his first 15 games of the 2011 season, Carson Blair has six RBI in his last six games

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from August 1, 2011


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