SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Can't Get Past Tourists, Lose 11-6

Published on April 24, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive tallied 15 hits and the Tourists committed four errors, but Greenville was unable to capitalize as they lost 11-6 Thursday evening at Fluor Field.

Neither team's starting pitcher factored in the decision as the Drive's Terumasa Matsuo lasted just 3 2/3 innings, surrendering six runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four. Asheville's Sheng-An Kuo did not fair much better as he went 4 2/3 innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on 10 hits and two walks.

The Tourists mounted a five-run lead, plating three runs in both the second and third innings. The first three batters all reached base and accounted for the runs as Hecter Velazquez tripled in Kevin Clark, and Jeffrey Cunningham followed with a two-run homer.

An inning later Clark and Velazquez hit back-to-back round trippers, with a man aboard for Clark's shot.

The Drive managed to claw their way back into the game as the offense answered with three runs in the bottom of the third. Oscar Tejeda and Manny Arambarris each collected an RBI when they reached base on fielding errors by Velazquez at short. Tejeda later scored on a wild pitch from Kuo.

While the Drive offense managed to tie the ballgame, relievers Ryne Lawson and Daniel Bard kept an aggressive Asheville offense at bay. Lawson tossed 2 2/3 scoreless frames, allowing a pair of walks and striking out four. Bard continued his 2008 dominance, adding 1 2/3 scoreless innings, issuing a walk and fanning four.

Newly acquired Ryan Kalish cut the deficit to one in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI-single. Two innings later the Drive tied the game when Yamaico Navarro doubled home Luis Exposito, who led off the inning with a double.

The come-from-behind victory was not meant to be as the Tourists used just two hits in the top of the ninth to score five runs off Joseph Guerra (0-1). After walking the bases loaded, Guerra gave up a two-run single to Cunningham. Lars Davis added insult to injury with a three-run inside-the-park homer to seal the victory.

The rubber match of the Drive's series with the Tourists will be tomorrow night with first pitch set 7:05 PM at Fluor Field. A spectacular fireworks display will follow the conclusion of Friday's game.

The Drive will send left-hander Jose Alvarez to the hill in search of his first win of the year as the Tourists counter with right-hander Jhoulys Chacin.

For more information about single-game tickets, ticket plans, luxury accommodations, or group outings, visit www.greenvilledrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

NOTES: With his 2-for-4 performance, Mike Jones extended his hitting streak to 15-games...It is the 2nd longest hitting streak in franchise history (Tony Granadillo had a 16-game hitting streak in 2006)...Daniel Bard has not allowed a run in 16 innings to begin the season, striking out 23 and walking three...Attendance was 4830

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 24, 2008


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