SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive and RiverDogs split doubleheader

Published on August 17, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Greenville Drive and Charleston RiverDogs battled for 21 innings, spanning five hours and four minutes in their twin bill Thursday night at West End Field. In game one, which lasted 14 innings, the Drive were on the losing end of a 2-1 score after three and a half hours. Fortunately Greenville rebounded for a 2-0 victory in game two, lasting a conventional hour and a half.

In game one, fans saw a lot of goose eggs on the board as both teams pitching staffs held each other scoreless until the 12th inning. Drive starting pitcher Michael Rozier walked away with a no-decision after arguably his best start of the 2006 season. The southpaw tossed 7.0 shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out five. It was the third time this season that Rozier had not issued a base on balls.

Not to be outdone, RiverDogs starter Wilkins Arias pitched 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing five hits and a walk, while striking out five. Both teams' bullpens then combined to throw 9.2 innings without allowing a run. Ismael Casillas and RJ Swindle each tossed 4.0 scoreless innings for the Drive and RiverDogs, respectively.

The ‘Dogs finally broke a scoreless tie in the top of the 12th off reliever Chad Rhoades (0-3). Austin Jackson led off with a single, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then went to third on a sacrifice bunt from Tim Battle. Reegie Corona then hit a sacrifice fly to center, plating Jackson.

The Drive would not be denied as they answered back in the bottom half of the inning. With two outs Luis Soto belted a solo shot, his sixth of the year, to right.

The game would last two more innings as Charleston scored the eventual game-winning run in the top of the 14th. Tony Roth led off with a single to center and advanced to third when Jackson doubled to right. After Battle was intentionally walked to load the bases and setup the double play, Corona hit a sac fly to center, knocking in Roth.

In game two, Drive starting pitcher Tim Cox (5-5) combined with Hunter Jones and Blake Maxwell to toss a three-hit shutout. Cox pitched 5.0 strong innings allowing two hits and striking out two, en route to his fifth win of the season and first as a starter.

Greenville collected their first run in the bottom of the second thanks to a bases loaded walk. Tony Granadillo and Aaron Bates led off with back-to-back singles. With one out Garrett Patterson issued back-to-back walks to Mickey Hall and Mike Leonard to give the Drive a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Drive extended their lead to 2-0 with another run. Matt Mercurio led off the inning with a home run off reliever Abel Gomez. It was the infielder's fifth long ball of the season.

After Jones tossed a perfect sixth inning, Maxwell closed out the RiverDogs in the ninth for his 12th save of the season.

The Drive and RiverDogs conclude their four-game series Friday night at West End Field with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Greenville will send left-hander Ryan Phillips to the mound as Charleston counters with right-hander Christian Garcia. At the conclusion of Friday's game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display.

Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling the Drive Ticket Office at 864-240-4528 or online at www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

NOTES: Michael Rozier's no-decision ran his winless streak to 12 games...Bubba Bell left in the bottom of the eighth in game one after spraining his ankle on a play at first, he is considered day-to-day...Aaron Bates had two hits in both games, and Luis Soto added two hits in game one...Attendance was 4336

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 17, 2006


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