SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive leave Hoppers in the dust, 5-0

Published on July 4, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greensboro, NC - Greenville Drive pitchers Michael Bowden, Hunter Jones, and Blake Maxwell combined to toss a four-hit shutout in their 5-0 win Tuesday night versus the Greensboro Grasshoppers at First Horizon Park. With the win the Drive improved to 9-4 in the second half and remain a game behind first place Augusta in the Southern Division.

The Grasshoppers looked totally overmatched against the 19-year-old Bowden as he allowed just three hits and walk while striking out four in 5.0 innings of work. With the win, Bowden (5-4) earned his first victory in almost a month, and lowered his ERA to 3.08.

After being shutdown in order in the top of the first, the Drive came back an inning later with three runs on two hits off Greensboro starter Sean West. Mark Wagner walked to lead off the inning and scored as the very next batter, Tony Granadillo, tripled to center. Granadillo was then plated as Chris Turner hit a sacrifice fly. Two batters later Pedro Vasquez belted his first homer of the season, a two-out solo shot to left.

The Drive would extend their lead to 4-0 nothing with another run in the top of the third. Jay Johnson hit a lead off double down the left-field line and advanced to third on Zak Farkes' single. Luis Soto then doubled to center, knocking in Johnson.

In the fifth, Greenville scored their final run on a two-out solo homer by Soto. The long ball was Soto's second of the season.

After Hunter Jones tossed 2.0 scoreless innings allowing just a hit and a walk, Blake Maxwell closed out the game with two perfect innings. West, who allowed all five of the Drive's runs, fell to 3-3 on the season.

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

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: Seven of the Drive's batters had a hit...Four Drive batters - Zak Farkes, Luis Soto, Tony Granadillo, Mitch Stachowsky - hat two hits...Both Pedro Vasquez's and Luis Soto's homers came with two outs

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 4, 2006


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