SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Blow Past RiverDogs, 13-4, After Seven-Run Eighth

Published on June 30, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - Holding onto a two-run lead through seven innings, the Drive (41-32, 2-3) made sure their cross-state rival, the Charleston RiverDogs (42-34, 3-3), would not have a chance for a comeback. That's because Greenville sent 11 batters to the plate, on their way to scoring seven runs in the top of the eighth.

The Drive added another run in the top of the ninth for good measure, capping a 13-4 victory Tuesday night at Riley Park.

Following a Kade Keowen RBI-single in the eighth, the Drive's next six runs all came with two outs in the inning. Six consecutive batters stepped up into the batter's box and reached base, including five hits.

Ryan Lavarnway and Jered Stanly each knocked in a pair of runs with a single and double, respectively, while Oscar Tejeda and Jeremy Hazelbaker each knocked in a run. An inning later Ryan Dent's four-hit, five-RBI performance culminated with a two-out, run-scoring single.

Greenville starter Hunter Strickland (5-4) found himself on the wrong side of a 3-0 score after just one inning of play. The RiverDogs collected four hits in the frame, led by Abraham Almonte's RBI-single and Garrison Lassiter's two-run single.

That would be the only runs Charleston would muster until the ninth inning, as Strickland and reliever Fabian Williamson combined to hold the ‘Dogs scoreless over the next seven innings. The duo faced just one batter over the limit, allowing only two baserunners - a single and catcher's interference - with the help of a doubleplay.

The Drive began their comeback when Dent collected the team's first run with a leadoff homer, his fourth of the season, in the top of the third. An inning later, the second baseman gave Greenville a one-run lead, smacking a two-out, three-run double. Stanley added a sacrifice fly in the fifth before the Drive's huge eighth inning.

After Strickland went 5.0 strong innings, Williamson tossed the final 4.0 frames to earn his fifth save of the season. Charleston's final run came in the bottom of the ninth as Melky Mesa led off with a solo homer.

The Drive and RiverDogs face off in game two of their four-game series tomorrow evening with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Southpaw Nick Hagadone (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville as Charleston counters with right-hander Andrew Brackman (1-6, 4.98 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field and begin the home portion of the second half of the regular season on the Saturday, July 4th. First pitch is set for 6:05 PM as Fluor Field will stay open after the game for fans to view the City of Greenville's fireworks from the field. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2009


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