SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Come Up Short Against Intimidators, 4-3

Published on June 13, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Kannapolis, NC - Throughout the first half of the season, no other team has had the Drive's number like the Kannapolis Intimidators (30-36). Those troubles continued Wednesday night as the Intimidators snubbed the Drive (25-40) with a 4-3 victory.

Defensive miscues were the name of the game for the Drive as they totaled a season-high five errors which led to two unearned runs. Despite displaying superior control, Travis Beazley earned a no-decision as he surrendered three runs, but just one was earned, in 7.0 innings. The right-hander issued no walks while striking out eight.

As was the case with last night's game, the Drive and Intimidators traded runs to the bitter end. Greenville got on the board in their first at bat as Reid Engel was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on Chih-Hsien Chiang's double. Jon Still then collected his team-leading 37th RBI with a single to plate Engel.

Beazley was completely dominant over the first three innings, and it was sub par defense in the fourth that allowed Kannapolis to tie the game. Stefan Gartrell was able to reach base on a fielding error by Argenis Diaz, and advanced to second on a throwing error by the shortstop on the same play. With one out Lee Cruz doubled home Gartrell.

The Drive were able to counter in the top of the fifth as Diaz drew a walk to lead off the inning. Chiang then singled to move Diaz to third, before a wild pitch from Faustino De Los Santos gave Greenville the lead back.

Kannapolis once again tied the game in the bottom half of the sixth in a very unconventional way. Gartrell singled to leadoff the inning and it looked as if he would be stranded there as the Beazley fanned the next two batters. However, Gartrell was able to score as Francisco Hernandez singled and then tied up the Drive defense in a rundown.

Despite not tallying a hit in the seventh, the Drive were able to score a run due to back-to-back walks and an error. Engel and Chiang began the inning with walks, before Engel scored on a throwing error by Scott Madsen.

Two errors in one inning for the second time during the game proved costly once again for the Drive as Kannapolis tied the game in the bottom of the seventh. An inning later Kannapolis scored the eventual game-winning run off reliever Ryan Phillips (0-1). Gartrell tripled to leadoff the frame and score his third run of the game as Brandon Allen followed with a single.

Kanekoa Texiera then slammed the door on the Drive in their final at bat to earn his seventh save of the year.

The Drive return home to West End Field on Thursday, June 14th to closeout the first half of the regular season with the Columbus Catfish. Southpaw Felix Doubront will take the mound for Greenville in search of his second victory as Columbus will counter with Wade Townsend.

In addition, Thursday will feature $1 drafts in the Spinx 500 Club and 300 Plateau, as well as live music. Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com, or by calling (864) 240-4500.

NOTES: 2B Chih-Hsien Chiang led the Drive, going a perfect 3-for-3...CF Jason Place chipped in with two hits...Even though he did not record a hit, LF Reid Engel scored twice...With his 0-for-4 night, RF Josh Reddick's 14-game hitting streak was halted...The start of the game was delayed an hour and 39 minutes due to rain

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 13, 2007


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