SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Clipped by Braves Once Again, Lose 3-2

Published on August 16, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Rome Braves (48-72, 23-27) have become like an annoying bug that just won't leave the Drive (65-55, 27-23) alone. Even a stellar pitching performance from Brandon Workman couldn't keep Rome from picking up a 3-2 victory Tuesday at Fluor Field, as the Drive dropped to 7-10 this season against the Braves.

Neither team scored until the sixth inning, when Rome got on the board first. Coastal Carolina standout Tommy La Stella hit bloop single to center field then advanced to second on an error by Sean Coyle. La Stella was then driven in by Edward Salcedo, before the inning was ended on a great pickoff play by Drive catcher Christian Vazquez.

Vazquez had a strong night defensively behind the plate, throwing out two Brave runners, and picking off another, as well as applying a good tag on a throw from Felix Sanchez to stop another Rome player from scoring.

Workman deserved better luck on the bump, as he was in line for his team-leading eighth loss until the Drive tied the game in the bottom of the seventh, as the right-hander settled for a no-decision. Workman was in total control on the rubber, needing only 67 pitches to throw 7.0 innings of four hit baseball. The former Texas Longhorn standout struck out three batters and walked two in what was one of his better starts of the season.

Tyler Lockwood came into replace Workman and had a rough start to his night. The right-hander gave up four consecutive singles allowing Rome to take the lead for good. Lockwood was able to settle down, however, retiring five of the final six batters he faced.

Greenville made a late comeback scoring in both the seventh and eighth innings. The seventh inning started with a Brandon Jacobs double, who was then moved to third on a ground out by Christian Vazquez. Jacobs was brought home by a Xander Bogaerts single past the third baseman to tie the game at one.

An inning later Matty Johnson used his speed to reach base on an infield single. Felix Sanchez then hit a double down the left field line, putting himself in position to tie the game. Sean Coyle drove in the the Drive's second run with a groundout up the middle, but Sanchez was stranded at third.

Greenville had a man on first base in the bottom of the ninth but failed to advance him into scoring position.

Making his second start for the Braves, Atlanta's first round draft pick Sean Gilmartin allowed just one hit in 4.0 scoreless innings, while striking out four. The southpaw combined with Dan Jurik (1-1), who was the first reliever out of the bullpen, to retire 14 straight batters at one point. Gus Schlosser set down the only two batters he faced to pick-up his seventh save of the season.

The Drive and Braves conclude their series on Wednesday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from Fluor Field. Right-hander Keith Couch (5-4, 3.05 ERA) will look to end the series on a high note as he toes the rubber for Greenville, while Rome counters with southpaw Carlos Perez (4-8, 4.88 ERA).

The Drive and SC Mountains to Midlands affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will "Knock Breast Cancer Out of the Park" during tomorrow's game as the team will wear pink jerseys. Breast cancer survivors will also be recognized, and fans will get to walk the pink carpet as they enter the ballpark. 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: Attendance was 4,573...this was the Drive's 47th 1-run game of the season (22-25)...11 of the 17 games with the Braves have been decided by 1-run; the Drive are 4-7 in those contests...Christian Vazquez has thrown out 35 of 100 potential base stealers this season...

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 16, 2011


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