SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Falter Late, Lose 4-3

Published on August 17, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Rome, GA - The Drive (25-30, 54-70) scored all three of their runs in the first three innings of the game Friday night at State Mutual Stadium. Unfortunately the Rome Braves (28-26, 57-67) scored all four of their runs over the final four innings for a 4-3 comeback victory.

The Drive got off to a quick start versus Sergio Valenzuela as Argenis Diaz led off the game with a triple. He scored two batters later on a single off the bat of Lars Anderson, the only Greenville batter to record a multi-hit game.

An inning later Greenville added their final two runs as Diaz hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Reid Engel. Matt Sheely accounted for the Drive's final run as he and Kristopher Negron executed a double steal with the speedy left-fielder taking home.

But that is where the Drive offense ended and the game turned into a pitcher's duel until the final outcome. Starting pitcher Joseph Guerra looked strong in his second start with Greenville since being recalled on August 12th, scattering six Braves hits in 4.1 innings. The right-hander allowed just one run while fanning one.

Trailing 3-1 after five innings of play, the Braves inched their way back into the game victimizing reliever Chris Province (2-1). Danny Brezeale brought Rome within a run in the bottom of the sixth with his sacrifice fly, scoring Brandon Hicks who had led off the inning with a double.

An inning later Rome put the finishing touches on their come-from-behind win. 48-year-old journeyman Julio Franco hit a one out single and Tyler Flowers followed with a two-run homer.

The Drive had their chances to add more runs throughout the game, but were unable to push a run across as they left seven runners on base during the final seven innings. Jaye Chapman (2-1) and Ryne Reynoso combined to toss 4.2 scoreless innings. Chapman allowed just two hits and walk in 3.2 innings, striking out seven of the eight outs he recorded. Reynoso closed the door on the game for his fifth save of the year.

Joshua Papelbon tossed a scoreless ninth inning for the Drive, allowing two runners to reach base but making sure they were both stranded. The submarine-style pitcher extended his scoreless inning streak to 6.2 innings, spanning six appearances. Papelbon has only allowed one earned run in eight August appearances, totaling 12.0 innings.

The Drive and Braves continue their four-game series Saturday night with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at State Mutual Stadium. Right-hander Brian Steinocher will toe the rubber for Greenville as Rome counters with fellow right-hander Kyle Cofield.

The Drive return home to West End Field on Tuesday, August 21st for a three-game series with the Augusta GreenJackets. Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 17, 2007


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