SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive and Tourists Split Twinbill, Standings Remain the Same

Published on August 27, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - After two games, 14 innings, and almost four hours, the standings in the South Atlantic League's Southern Division will remain the same. That's because both the Drive and visiting Asheville Tourists took a game in Saturday's doubleheader, both of which were decided by two runs.

The Drive were victorious 5-3 in game one, while the Tourists prevailed 4-2 in the nightcap.

Each game featured early scoring, as both teams plated runs in the first inning. In game one a dropped flyball by Jeremy Hazelbaker with two outs allowed Asheville to strike first. But Greenville quickly answered on a two-out single by Michael Almanzar.

After the Tourists regained a one-run lead through two innings, the Drive plated four runs over the third, fourth and fifth innings. Following a leadoff double by Vladimir Frias and a single by Hazelbaker in the third, Derrik Gibson's groundout knotted the score.

An inning later Reymond Fuentes worked a leadoff walk from Asheville starter Nick Schnaitmann (8-9), then proceeded to steal second and advance to third on a throwing error by catcher Dallas Tarleton. That setup Sean Killeen's RBI-double to deep left field.

The Tourists were able to tie the game in the top of the fifth, but once again the Drive had an answer. Kolbrin Vitek's RBI-double broke another tie, and later scored on a throwing error, closing out the game's scoring.

Manuel Rivera (5-9) tossed 5.2 strong innings, allowing three runs - two earned - on five hits and a walk, while fanning five. Dennis Neuman relieved the southpaw, holding the Tourists scoreless in recording the final four outs to pickup his team-leading 14th save of the season.

The second game got off to an eerily similar game, as Asheville and Greenville both scored a pair of runs in the first inning. Nolan Arenado tattooed a first pitch offering from Drake Britton (1-3) for a two-run homer, his 10th of the season, to once again give the Tourists the first runs.

But Greenville did it again, matching the Tourists as Almanzar lifted a sacrifice fly and Fuentes added a two-out, RBI-single.

Despite a rough start, Britton was lights out until the top of the fifth, retiring ten straight batters before allowing a two-out single to Joey Wong. Eliezer Mesa then followed with an infield single, before a passed ball allowed both runners to move into scoring position.

Delta Cleary, Jr. delivered the crushing blow, lacing a two-run single to left, resulting in a pair of unearned runs that also broke the tie. After 4.0 innings by starter Jonathan Vargas, the Tourists went to their bullpen.

The duo of Chad Rose (8-5) and Paul Bargas held the Drive scoreless over the final three innings, but not without some dramatics. With two outs, Hazelbaker on second and Derrik Gibson on first, Rodriguez stepped into the batter's box representing the game-winning run. But Bargas was able to strikeout the right-handed hitter, closing the game and earning his fourth save.

The Drive and Tourists will meet in the third game of the series on Saturday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Kendal Volz (6-5, 3.98 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville as they look to move into a first-place tie, while Asheville counters with right-hander Chad Bettis (1-0, 1.29 ERA).

During tomorrow night's game, the ZOOperstars will be at Fluor Field, entertaining the crowd throughout the ballgame. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, or luxury accommodations, call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 27, 2010


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