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SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Can't Recover From Intimidators Early Scoring, Lose 7-3

August 27, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - It has been an inconsistent battle for the Drive (66-61, 27-32) lately. When their starting pitching has been strong, the bullpen has struggled, and vice versa.

For the second straight night, the Kannapolis Intimidators (77-51, 40-18) pushed across a bunch of runs early, this time against Brock Huntzinger (8-9). The right-hander surrendered six runs - five earned - over the first 3-2/3 innings, which were more than enough as the Intimidators went onto win 7-3.

Eduardo Escobar single-handedly setup the Intimidators run in the first. The shortstop singled, stole second and third, and scored on Jon Gilmore's base hit. Escobar was in the middle of Kannapolis' three-run second, knocking in a pair with a two-out single.

Defensive lapses helped the Drive plate two runs in the home half of the third, cutting their deficit to three. Pete Hissey was the beneficiary of the first Kannapolis miscue as catcher Josh Phegley dropped a foul pop-up, giving the centerfield new life. He promptly singled to left, and scored on Casey Kelly's triple.

Then during Ryan Lavarnway's at bat, first baseman Dan Black dropped a foul pop-up. Although Lavarnway didn't record a hit, he plated Kelly with a slow groundout.

Even though the Drive dropped their third straight game to the South Atlantic League's best team, leftfielder Alex Hassan continued to excite. The 20th round selection in this year's draft recorded a pair of hits, including an inside-the-park home run for Greenville's final run in the seventh.

The former Duke Blue Devil drove a 1-1 offering from Dan Albritton to deep centerfield that kicked off the wall, allowing him to come all the way around to score. Pete Hissey and Kelly also chipped in with three hits apiece.

The Drive and Intimidators conclude their four-game series on Friday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Caleb Clay (4-6, 3.95 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville as Kannapolis counters with right-hander Nevin Griffith (3-4, 3.81 ERA).

Following tomorrow night's game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

GAME NOTES:

Attendance was 4,282...the start of the game was delayed an hour and two minutes due to rain...Alex Hassan's inside-the-park home run was the first by a Drive batter since Kristopher Negron did so on August 30th, 2007 vs. Augusta...Will Middlebrooks extended his hit streak to 12-games with his 1-for-5 night...Pete Hissey has a hit in 9 straight games, a season-high...he has a hit in 14 of his 16 August contests, including 8 multi-hit efforts

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from August 27, 2009


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