SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Lack Timely Hits in 5-3 Loss to Sand Gnats

Published on August 11, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Savannah, GA - To say it's been a crazy two nights at Historic Grayson Stadium would be an understatement. After the Drive (64-51, 26-19) secured a five run win in the series opener, the Savannah Sand Gnats (68-47, 29-17) retaliated with a 5-3 win on Thursday.

However, the underlying story is that after not being ejected until 224 games into his managerial career, the Drive's Billy McMillon has been tossed from the umpiring crew of Ramon Hernandez and Ivan Mercado from both games in Savannah. Third baseman David Renfroe was also sent to the showers early for arguing balls and strikes.

Christian Vazquez, who matched a career-high with five RBI last night and doubled three times, continued to wreak havoc on Sand Gnats' hurlers as he gave Greenville a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with yet another RBI-double, this time plating Matty Johnson and Brandon Jacobs.

The lead would not stick too long, however, as Savannah answered with a pair of runs off Brandon Workman (3-7) in the bottom of the second. Joe Bonfe laced a one-out double which was followed by an RBI-single by Jet Butler. Three batters later, Darrell Ceciliani tied the game with a two-out single.

Savannah, who came into the game with the league's worst batting average, recorded four more hits en route to taking a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Each of the first three batters singled off Workman, before an error by Xander Bogaerts broke the tie. Wilfredo Tovar added a two-run single in what would be Workman's final inning.

Relievers Tyler Lockwood and Michael Olmsted stopped the hemorrhaging as the duo combined to hold the Sand Gnats scoreless over the final four innings, while striking out six, but the Drive were unable to overcome the deficit.

Greenville added one more run on Michael Almanzar's RBI-double in the top of the eighth, but failed to plate anymore runs as they left the bases loaded. The lack of a big hit plagued the Drive all night as they were 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left 10 on base.

The Drive and Sand Gnats continue their four-game series on Friday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from Historic Grayson Stadium. Right-hander Keith Couch (5-4, 3.05 ERA) will head to the hill for Greenville, while Savannah counters with left-hander Angel Cuan (9-2, 3.19 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Sunday, August 14th for an eight-game home stand, beginning with the Rome Braves. 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: With the loss, the Drive dropped into a 2nd place tie with the Augusta GreenJackets, 2.5 games behind the 1st place Sand Gnats....Greenville holds a 7.0 game lead over the GreenJackets and 8.0 game lead over the Asheville Tourists in the Wild Card race

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 11, 2011


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