SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Lose Battle Between First Half Champs with BlueClaws, 5-2

Published on July 26, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Although their rosters are not what they were at the midpoint of the regular season, Sunday's series opener pitted the respective first half divisional champions against each other.

It was evident that Lakewood BlueClaws (59-39, 17-13) have not lost as many key players who were instrumental in capturing the divisional crown as the Drive (52-45, 13-16), winning 5-2 at Fluor Field.

After three scoreless innings from both teams, Lakewood posted four runs in the top of the fourth, sending 10 batters to the plate. However, if it were not for a fielding error by third baseman Will Middlebrooks, the BlueClaws may not have plated any runs, as all four were unearned.

Fabian Williamson (6-3) suffered the damage from the defensive miscue in his fourth start of the season. The lefty lasted just 3-2/3 innings, surrendering all four unearned runs on four hits and walking three while fanning four.

The Drive cut their deficit in half in the bottom of the sixth, but left the tying runs on base. Zach Gentile and Will Middlebrooks each singled in the inning, while Mitch Dening and Kade Keowen each collected an RBI by grounding into fielder's choices.

Gentile and Middlebrooks almost accounted for all of Greenville's hits, as the duo each tallied two singles. Ryan Lavarnway notched the team's fifth and final hit with a double.

With another solid performance, Middlebrooks extended his hit streak to double digits at 10 games. The third baseman is batting .359 (14-for-39) with two homers, 11 RBI, and seven runs scored over that span.

Lakewood utilized strong pitching efforts from four different hurlers, who combined for 15 strikeouts. The starter, Trevor May (2-1), went 5.0 one-hit innings, while walking three and buckling nine batters for strikeouts.

The Drive and BlueClaws continue their four-game series at Fluor Field on Monday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Stolmy Pimentel (9-4, 2.95 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Lakewood counters with right-hander Justin De Fratus (4-3, 3.67 ERA)

Tomorrow is also Munchie Monday, where kids 12 and under will receive a voucher upon entrance to the ballpark for a free hot dog, 12-ounce Pepsi product and a bag of chips. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 26, 2009


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