Sports stats



SAL1 Greenville Drive

Oscar Tejeda's 12th Inning Single Secures 7-6 Walk-Off Victory

September 3, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - It took 12 innings, but the Drive (70-64, 31-35) capped their series finale with the Bowling Green Hot Rods (64-70, 30-34) by pulling off a 7-6 walk-off victory. Oscar Tejeda's two-out, RBI-single gave Greenville their sixth walk-off win of the season in a game where they found themselves trailing early.

The Hot Rods were able to tag Stolmy Pimentel in the early going of his outing, posting a 4-1 lead through three innings. The first inning could have been worse for the right-hander who surrendered four hits, but Bowling Green was only able to push across one run after loading the bases with one out.

Kade Keowen's 10th homer of the season, a solo shot in the second inning, tied the game but for only a brief moment. Bowling Green sent eight batters to the plate in the top of the third, adding three runs.

But once again the Drive were able to counter with two runs in the fourth and sixth innings to tie the game. Not only did Ryan Lavarnway's two-run double tie the game in the home half of the sixth but it was the catcher's 36th two-bagger of the season, setting the franchise record.

Backed by superb relief pitching, neither team was able to plate a run in the three remaining frames of regulation, forcing the game into extra innings. In the top of the 11th, the Hot Rods took the lead when Tim Beckham scored on Kyeong Kang's grounder.

However, the Drive made sure that they wouldn't go quietly, answering with a run to once again tie the game. Jeremy Hazelbaker drew a leadoff walk against Joey Callender, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher, and scored on Zach Gentile's bloop single to center.

After stealing second, Gentile attempted to score on Will Middlebrooks' single to leftfield. Kang had different ideas, however, gunning Gentile down at the plate and sending the game to the 12th inning.

The Drive made sure the game would not go to 13 innings. In his third inning of relief, Felix Ventura (3-7) held Bowling Green scoreless, giving Greenville the opportunity for a win in their final at bat. Kade Keowen drew a two-out walk, stole second and moved to third on another throwing error by catcher Tyler Hauschild, setting up Tejeda's heroics.

The Drive now welcome the Asheville Tourists to town, who currently have a 2.5 game lead over the Augusta GreenJackets for the Southern Division Second Half Championship. Greenville will send left Fabian Williamson (10-4, 2.27 ERA), as Asheville counters with right-hander Dan Houston (7-9, 3.81 ERA) in the opener.

Following Friday's game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

GAME NOTES:

Attendance was 4,255...the Drive have won 6 of their last 7 series finale games at Fluor Field...Lavarnway passed former first baseman Lars Anderson (2007) for the doubles record...Lavarnway, Keowen, and Tejeda each had 2 hits

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...

South Atlantic League Stories from September 3, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central