SAL1 Greenville Drive

Bullpen Secures Drive's 4-3 Victory Over Sand Gnats

Published on April 28, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Casey Kelly (3-0) was able to fight through his roughest outing as a professional, and Fabian Williamson was nearly perfect over the final four innings as the Drive (12-7) defeated the Savannah Sand Gnats (10-9), 4-3, to remain atop the South Atlantic League's Southern Division.

Kelly, the Red Sox first round selection a year ago, improved to 3-0 despite being tagged for nine hits over 5.0 innings. All three of the runs - two of which were earned - came in the second inning as Kai Gronauer and Jake Eigsti tallied RBI-singles and a fielding error by Kelly accounted for the third run.

However, it was the only runs Savannah would score as Kelly held it together for the final three innings, even getting out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth, before putting the game in Williamson's hands.

A walk was all that the Sand Gnats were able to muster off the southpaw in 4.0 innings, while Williamson recorded four strikeouts to earn his first save of the season.

The Drive took advantage of Savannah's defensive miscues as well, plating four runs in the first two innings. Ryan Dent led off the first by reaching on a fielding error and Oscar Tejeda followed with a walk before Mitch Dening delivered a two-out, two-run double.

Michael Almanzar tied the game an inning later when he belted Jeff Kaplan's (1-1) first pitch offering for his third home run of the season. Tejeda knocked in the eventual game-winner with another two-out RBI, coming on a run-scoring single.

The Drive and Sand Gnats continue their four-game series on Wednesday with first pitch set for 4 PM at Fluor Field. Right-hander Yeiper Castillo will toe the slab for Greenville, as Savannah counters with left-hander Robert Carson.

Fans can take advantage of several Happy Hour specials in the Spinx 500 Club during Wednesday's early game, including $2 margaritas and daiquiris, and 10 cent chicken wings. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

NOTES: Anthony Rizzo extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single in the 2nd...it is the longest active streak in the South Atlantic League...Casey Kelly's scoreless inning streak was snapped at 16.2 innings...the Drive lead the South Atlantic League with 31 team-RBI with two outs in an inning...Attendance was 3,055

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 28, 2009


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