SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive devour Grasshoppers, 8-3

Published on July 5, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greensboro, NC - The Greenville Drive scored pounded out 10 hits, including a two home run performance by Jay Johnson, and starting pitcher Ryan Phillips picked up his first victory of the season in the Drive's 8-3 win over the Greensboro Grasshoppers Wednesday night at First Horizon Park. With the win the Drive improved to 10-4 in the second half and 45-39 overall.

The ‘Hoppers took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first thanks to inconsistent pitching from Phillips. James Guerrero and Gary Roche each reached base with back-to-back walks to leadoff the inning. A single by Andrew Jenkins then loaded the bases before a wild pitch during Kris Harvey's at bat allowed Guerrero to score.

The lead would not last long for Greensboro, however, as the Drive tagged Marc LaMacchia for six runs on six hits in the second. Mark Wagner led off with a single and Tony Granadillo followed with a single. Chris Turner's single then loaded the bases to setup Mitch Stachowsky's sacrifice fly, allowing Wagner to score. Pedro Vasquez's two-run single gave Greenville a 3-1 lead. Jay Johnson then belted his ninth long ball of the season. The Drive would score their final run of the inning when Luis Soto singled home Zak Farkes, who had reached base with a double.

Greensboro would try to cut into Greenville's lead with single runs in the third and fourth innings. In the third Jenkins doubled to right to lead off the inning. With two outs it looked as if he would be stranded on second until Jon Fulton plated Jenkins with a single to center.

An inning later the Grasshoppers plated another run with two outs. Jenkins hit an RBI-single to center, knocking in Guerrero.

The Drive would extend their lead to four runs in the fifth on a solo home run off the bat of Tony Granadillo. It was his eighth dinger of the season.

Greenville would plate their final run in the top of the ninth on Johnson's second home run of the night. With his two homers, Johnson became the fourth member of the Drive to have a multi-homer game in 2006.

Although it wasn't his most effective start since coming off the disabled list, Ryan Phillips hung around long enough to pick up his first win of the season. Phillips surrendered three runs on six hits and four runs, while striking out six in 5.0 innings of work. The Drive were the recipients of solid relief pitching as Ismael Casillas and Kyle Fernandes combined for 4.0 scoreless innings.

The Drive and Grasshoppers continue their four-game series Thursday night at First Horizon Park with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Greenville will send right-hander John Barnes to the hill as Greensboro will counter with right-hander Ryan Tucker.

The Drive return home to West End Field on Wednesday, July 12th when they host the Asheville Tourists at 12:05 PM for a "Businessperson's Special."

Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling the Drive Ticket Office at 864-240-4528 or online at www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

NOTES: With his hit in the second inning, Luis Soto extended his hitting streak to 12-games...Seven of the Drive's nine batters had at least one hit...In addition to Jay Johnson's three hits, Zak Farkes also chipped in with two hits

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 5, 2006


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