SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Blank Legends, 5-0, to Remain in First Place Tie

Published on August 17, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Lexington, KY - Reynaldo Rodriguez accounted for two of the Drive's five hits Tuesday night, but both were extremely clutch. The first baseman belted a pair of homers, driving in three runs as Greenville (66-54, 30-10) defeated the Lexington Legends (59-61, 24-26), 5-0, in the series opener.

The Drive took an early 1-0 lead after a half inning of play, without even tallying a hit. Derrik Gibson led off the game by drawing a walk, then stole his 34th base of the season before advancing to third on Zach Gentile's groundout. The speedy shortstop then scored on a wild pitch.

Three innings later Rodriguez belted his first of two homers, sending a 2-1 pitch deep over the leftfield wall off of Legends' right-hander Tanner Bushue (6-8).

In the top of the sixth the Drive once again scored without recording a hit, taking advantage of a walk, hit by pitch, and an error. Jeremy Hazelbaker drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second when Rodriguez was plunked, and scored as Jonathan Meyer committed an error on Vladimir Frias' batted ball.

Rodriguez added insurance to Greenville's lead in the top of the eighth with his second round tripper of the evening, a two-run shot off of reliever Brenden Stines.

Although they were outhit by Lexington, the Drive received a strong pitching effort from a trio of hurlers. Starting pitcher Kendal Volz, along with relievers Chris Court (5-0) and Anatanaer Batista scattered eight hits and only two walks, while fanning nine.

Volz was limited to three scoreless frames, allowing two hits and fanning four before turning the game over to Court who added four shutout innings to earn the victory.

Despite the win, the Drive remain deadlocked in a first place tie with the Asheville Tourists who also won Tuesday night. Neither team was able to separate themselves from the third place Augusta GreenJackets (1.0 game back) and fourth place Charleston RiverDogs (3.5 games back), both of whom won as well.

The Drive and Legends will meet in the second game of this four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Pete Ruiz (8-8, 4.56 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Lexington counters with right-hander Juan Minaya (4-10, 5.04 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Saturday, August 21st for an eight-game homestand, beginning with cross-state rival, and New York Yankees affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs. 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 17, 2010


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