SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Send Tourists Packing, 5-3

Published on April 23, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive (12-8) may have had fewer hits than the visiting Asheville Tourists (13-7), but they got timely hits when they needed them to prevail 5-3 in Wednesday's matinee game at Fluor Field.

With the teams knotted at 1-1, Luis Exposito delivered a crushing blow to Asheville starter Bruce Billings (1-1), a three-runner homer that was the eventual game-winner. After Anthony Rizzo and newly acquired Oscar Tejeda reached base on a single and walk, respectively, to begin the frame, it appeared as if the Drive would not push a run across.

Billings was able to strikeout Manny Arambarris and get David Mailman to pop up to the second baseman before Exposito's big two-out hit.

Asheville began the game aggressively, plating a run that was aided by two singles and two stolen bases. However, after the first, Drive starter Felix Doubront (4-0) was able to settle down and hold the Tourists scoreless over his final four frames.

En route to his fourth straight win to begin the 2008 season, Doubront scattered four hits while fanning seven 5 innings. Over his last three starts, spanning 15.2 innings, the lefty has totaled 22 strikeouts and zero walks.

The Drive used three relievers - Ryan Colvin, Bryce Cox, and Felix Ventura - in the final four innings to secure the win. Colvin and Ventura (2nd save), who each tossed one inning, both allowed solo homers to Darin Holcomb for the Tourists final two runs. Bryce Cox allowed a hit in 2 scoreless innings of work.

Designated hitter Mike Jones, who's .409 batting average leads all South Atlantic League hitters, extended his hitting streak to a league-best 14-games with a two-out triple in the fifth inning.

The Drive and Tourists continue their three-game series tomorrow night with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Thursday's game is $1 Drink Night in which fans can purchase 12 ounce Coca-Cola products at any of the concession stands or draft specials in the Spinx 500 Club for those over 21 for just $1.

Tomorrow's game will feature two pitchers from the Far East as right-hander Terumasa Matsuo of Japan takes the hill for the Drive. The Tourists will counter with right-hander Sheng-An Kuo of Taiwan.

For more information about single-game tickets, ticket plans, luxury accommodations, or group outings, visit www.greenvilledrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

NOTES: Attendance was 4311

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 23, 2008


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