SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Drop Second Half Opener to Sand Gnats

Published on June 19, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - After the conclusion of the all-star break, the Greenville Drive (0-1, 34-36) were looking to start off the second half of the season on the right foot. The Savannah Sand Gnats (1-0, 45-22), who won the first half Southern Division championship, decided they weren't tired of winning, however, as they took an early lead and never looked back in an 8-5 victory.

The Sand Gnats plated two runs in the second inning against Jamie Callahan (2-6). Jon Leroux and Jorge Rivero hit back-to-back singles, and Colton Plaia followed by smacking a two-run double to deep center.

Greenville answered back in the bottom half of the second, as Manuel Margot's liner to right got past a diving Patrick Biondi, and he raced around the bases for an inside-the-park homer.

Savannah scored again in the third to make the score 3-1. Callahan hit Biondi with one out, and Biondi swiped both second and third and came in to score when the throw to third sailed into left field.

The Sand Gnats pulled away in the sixth with three runs against Pete Ruiz. The inning started with a Dominic Smith double, and Leroux followed with a triple to send Smith home. An RBI single by Stefan Sabol added another run, while a wild pitch plated a third run.

The Drive attempted to comeback with a pair of runs in the sixth after Wendell Rijo's RBI double to score Carlos Asuaje, who reached on a fielder's choice, and a passed ball, but three Savannah relievers slammed the door.

Robert Gsellman (5-3) got the victory, while Akeel Morris picked up his third save.

Leroux was the lone Savannah batter with two hits, while Margot did a little of everything despite the loss, going 2-4 with the inside-the-parker and his 23rd steal of the year.

The Drive will send RH Teddy Stankiewicz (5-4, 3.71) to the mound on Friday night at Fluor Field at 7:05. The Sand Gnats will counter with RH John Gant (7-2, 2.12).

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 19, 2014


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