SAL1 Greenville Drive

Sixth Inning Dooms Drive in 7-3 Loss

Published on April 29, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Lakewood, NJ - Matt Barnes continued to dominate South Atlantic League opponents Sunday afternoon, bringing his talents to the Jersey Shore. But his effort wasn't enough as the Lakewood BlueClaws (9-13) struck for all their runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, capturing a 7-3 victory at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws couldn't break through against Barnes, but they scored seven runs with reliever Hunter Cervenka in the game. Lakewood had Carlos Perdomo on first base with two outs when Barnes was removed from the game by Greenville manager Carlos Febles. Cervenka was inserted into the ballgame, allowing the first seven batters he faced to reach on three singles, two doubles, one walk and a hit by pitch.

It resulted in a seven-run inning for the BlueClaws and the third loss for Cervenka, whose record dropped to 0-3 on the season.

The first run that scored for Lakewood was the runner that Cervenka inherited from Barnes, and was the first run allowed by the right-hander all season - snapping Boston's top pick from the 2011 draft scoreless streak at 26.2 innings. The former UConn Husky has now struck out 42 batters and with the run allowed, his earned run average sits at 0.34.

Greenville (8-15) jumped out to a 3-0 lead after four innings, as Blake Swihart's sacrifice fly broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third. An inning later Matt Marquis and Nick Natoli each recorded back-to-back, RBI-singles with two outs.

But the lead would not hold. Bryan Morgado came out of the bullpen with Lakewood trailing 3-0, but tossed three shutout innings to earn his second victory of the season. Morgado scattered three hits and struck out two batters.

The Drive will look to avoid the sweep in the final game of the three-game series against the BlueClaws Monday night at 6:35 PM. Left-hander Henry Owens (1-1, 10.05 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Lakewood counters with right-hander Kenny Giles (0-0, 4.85 ERA).

The Drive return home to Greenville on Wednesday, May 2nd, beginning a seven-game home stand with the Lexington Legends. For more information, or to purchase single-game tickets, group outings or luxury accommodations, please call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 29, 2012


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