SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Drop Series Opener to GreenJackets, 6-3

Published on May 9, 2013 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


The Greenville Drive (10-23) could not escape a rough, four -run first inning on Thursday night, as they dropped their 8th game in a row in a 6-3 loss to th e Augusta GreenJackets (19-13) at Fluor Field.

Justin Haley got the nod to take the mound for Greenville, but quickly gave up a lead-off triple to Augusta's centerfielder Jesus Galindo that, along with four walks, helped Augusta to the four runs. However, Haley bounced back allowing only two hits and one run in the next 2 =A8=F8 before being relieved by Austin Maddox.

The Drive's offense answered back with with runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings to make it a two-run ballgame. The highlight was David Chester's solo shot to centerfield leading off the fourth inning for his fifth home run of the season.

Maddox pitched well in his seventh appearance of the season to keep the Drive in the game, throwing five scoreless innings before giving up a late run in the top of the 9th. But Maddox wasn't able to get much help from the offense to pick up the win. After an RBI single by second baseman Mookie Betts in the fifth, the Greenville bats went silent going three up, three down in the final four frames.

Maddox would finish with five strikeouts in 5.1 IP scattering three hits and gave up only one run.

Betts continues to stay hot in the month of May after going 2-4 with an RBI. Betts now is hitting .333 in 21 at bats for the month with one homerun and 11 walks.

Drive outfielder Aneury Tavarez extends his hitting streak to six games after picking up a double to lead off the second. He is hitting .364 in during that stretch.

GreenJackets starter Chris Stratton pitched seven innings allowing three runs on six hits while striking out six batters to pick up his third win of the season. Tyler Mizenko came in to close the game and picked up his 9th save of the season.

At the plate, Galindo led Augusta with the lead-off triple in the first and a double in the ninth. He went 2-4 with a walk and three runs scored.

Before the game, Drive pitcher Jason Garcia was honored with the Hale's Jewelers Player of the Month award for April. Garcia posted a 2-0 record with a 3.48 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 20.2 IP for the month.

Greenville will try and snap its current losing skid Friday night against Augusta at Fluor Field. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Brian Johnson (0-1, 2.30) takes the ball for the Drive, while Kendry Flores (2-1, 1.23) will start on the mound for the GreenJackets.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 9, 2013


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