SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Open Series with 3-2 Walk-Off Win Over Catfish

Published on May 3, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - After clinging to a one-run lead for most of the ballgame, the Drive (17-13) were forced to use their final at-bat to seal 3-2 victory in the series opener with the Columbus Catfish (12-17) in front 5,833 at Fluor Field

After the Catfish were able to tie the game on a Henry Wrigley single with two-outs in the ninth, the Drive answered with the game-winner. David Mailman laced a shot down the leftfield line which kicked around enough for the speedy outfielder to leg out a triple.

Jose Mejias (0-1) then issued an intentional walk to Kristopher Negron before Che-Hsuan Lin singled up the middle for the walk-off victory.

Lost in the commotion of the final inning was Terumasa Matsuo's performance on the mound. The Japanese product stymied the Catfish, scattering five hits and striking out two in 6.0 scoreless innings in earning a no-decision. Matsuo retired the first eight batters of the game, needing just 24 pitchers, before giving up a single to Omar Luna.

After both teams were held scoreless through the first three innings, the Drive scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth off Josh Johnson. Mike Jones began the frame with a leadoff single, extending his hit streak to 24 games. Two batters later Ty Weeden delivered a double and David Mailman followed with a two-run single.

With Chad Povich (3-0) relieving Matsuo in the top of the seventh, the Catfish jumped on the pitching change, cutting the Drive's lead in half. After striking out the first two batters, Povich gave up a double to Stephen Vogt and an RBI-single to Henry Wrigley.

The Drive and Catfish continue their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 4:05 PM. Right-hander Chris Province will toe the rubber for Greenville as Columbus counters with right-hander Jason Ragan.

Heroes Week continues tomorrow as well with Faith Leaders Appreciation Night. In addition, it's "Family FunDay," in which kids get to run the bases after the game. For more information on single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 3, 2008


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