SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Offense Continues Torrid Pace, Defeat Hot Rods 9-2

Published on August 8, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Bowling Green, KY - A night after scoring 12 runs, the Drive (59-50, 20-21) began their four-game series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods (55-55, 21-19) by plating nine runs. The only difference from Friday to Saturday night was that the pitching staff was solid as well, giving Greenville a 9-2 win in the opener.

Although it took the Drive until the fifth inning to score their first runs, when they did they exploded on the Bowling Green pitchers. Mitch Dening led off with a triple, the first of six extra-base hits by the Drive, and scored on Ryan Dent's sacrifice fly. Oscar Tejeda later added an RBI-single.

The Hot Rods were able to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth, but the Drive pulled away in the seventh by sending 11 batters to the plate en route to five runs. Ty Weeden began the inning with a double and scored as Dening followed with a two-run homer.

With one out, four straight batters recorded a hit, including a two-run double by Mike Thomas. The Drive closed out their scoring in the inning when Weeden drew a bases loaded walk.

An inning later the Drive scored twice more. Following a walk by Dent, Pete Hissey recorded an RBI triple. Tejeda then collected Greenville's final extra-base hit of the game with a run-scoring double.

Although he didn't factor into the decision, Caleb Clay turned in a solid start for the Drive. The right-hander allowed both Bowling Green runs on five hits and a walk, while fanning six in 5-1/3 innings.

Making his 2009 Drive debut, Will Latimer (1-0) earned the victory by tossing 3-2/3 scoreless innings in relief. The southpaw limited the Hot Rods to just a hit and walk, and picked up a strikeout.

The Drive and Hot Rods meet in game two of the series on Sunday with first pitch set for 2:05 PM ET from Bowling Green Ballpark. Right-hander Mike Lee (3-4, 3.86 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Bowling Green counters with lefty Frank De Los Santos (4-7, 3.70 ERA).

Following their four-game road trip, the Drive return home to Fluor Field on Thursday, August 13th for a four-game set with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Dollar Drink Night kicks off the series, as first pitch is set for 7:05 PM.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from August 8, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central