SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Split Series With 9-5 Win Over Legends

Published on May 19, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


LEXINTON, KY - The score of the Drive's Wednesday morning finale with the Lexington Legends would indicate an easy victory. But the 9-5 win didn't come without any drama as Greenville trailed 4-2 after two innings, and was able to work around six errors in the game.

The Legends were able to take an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Jacob Goebbert laced a two-run double off Pete Ruiz. But the Drive quickly answered with a pair of runs in the second.

Following a leadoff walk by Michael Almanzar and a double by Ronald Bermudez, Dan Butler and Reynaldo Rodriguez delivered back-to-back sacrifice flies.

However, three defensive miscues in the bottom of the second led to two more Lexington runs. The Drive pulled within a run in the top of the third when Derrik Gibson was issued a walk, stole second and then scored on a Ronald Bermudez single.

After the Legends regained their two-run advantage in the bottom of the fourth, Greenville sent eight batters to the plate in the top of the fifth, en route to four runs. They only tallied three hits in the inning, but both Rodriguez and Zach Gentile drew bases loaded walks to tie the game.

Joantoni Garcia delivered the key hit of the frame with a two-out, two-run double to give the Drive a lead they would never relinquish. The inning came to an end when Gentile was thrown out at home, trying to also score on Garcia's two-bagger.

The Drive padded their lead with the game's final runs, scoring in the seventh and eighth innings. Almanzar and Bermudez hit back-to-back doubles in the top of the seventh, and Almanzar drew another bases loaded walk an inning later.

Although he tied a career-high with seven strikeouts, Ruiz didn't stick around long enough to get the win. The right-hander allowed five runs - four earned - on eight hits and two walks over 4.0 innings, before putting the game in the hands of reliever Tom Ebert (1-0).

In earning his first victory of season, Ebert limited the Legends to just two singles and a walk over 5.0 shutout innings, while fanning three.

Following a series split at Applebee's Park, the Drive return home to Fluor Field for an eight-game homestand which begins tomorrow night, starting with the Augusta GreenJackets (affiliate of the San Francisco Giants) with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Yeiper Castillo (1-3, 3.40 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville in the opener as Augusta counters with right-hander Chris Heston (2-3, 4.50 ERA).

Tomorrow is also Dollar Drink Night at the ballpark, where fans can purchase 12 ounce Pepsi products at any of the concession stands for just a buck. In addition, those fans at least 21 years of age can head over to The 500 Club for draft specials. For more information regarding 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 19, 2010


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