SAL1 Greenville Drive

BlueClaws Clip Drive with Four-Run Eighth Inning

Published on July 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Lakewood, NJ - Terumasa Matsuo shutdown the Lakewood BlueClaws for six scoreless innings, striking out a career-high nine batters, and the Drive took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the eighth.

But the bullpen woes that have plagued Greenville (48-44, 8-14) for the second half of the season continued as Kyle Fernandes (2-1) surrendered four runs as Lakewood (52-40, 14-8) came from behind for a 4-2 victory in the series opener at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws took advantage of three walks issued by Fernandes in the inning, including two with the bases loaded to tie the game. With the sacks still full, Michael Durant laced the eventual game-winner off Javier Garcia, a two-run single.

Yamaico Navarro gave the Drive a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, singling home Ryan Kalish, who had hit a single - extending his hitting streak to 11 games - of his own and stole second. The Drive added their second run in the top of the fifth, almost in the very same fashion.

Navarro led off the inning by drawing a walk, stole second, and then scored on Mike Jones' single.

The 26-year-old Matsuo turned in one of his best performances since coming to the United States, but it was all for naught. The right-hander allowed just three hits and a walk, retiring 13 of the first 14 batters he faced.

Reliever Zack Sterner (7-1) earned the win out of the bullpen for the BlueClaws, tossing two scoreless innings, allowing a pair of hits and a walk. Jared Simon added a scoreless ninth to earn his 18th save of the season.

The Drive and BlueClaws continue their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at FirstEnergy Park. Greenville will send right-hander Chad Povich to the hill as Lakewood counters with right-hander Julian Sampson.

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Wednesday, July 16th when the began an eight-game homestand with the Lake County Captains, affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information regarding single-game tickets, ticket plans, group outings and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 11, 2008


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