SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Sputter Late In 7-5 Loss To Legends

Published on June 28, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Despite a four run lead with two innings left to play, the Greenville Drive coughed up a chance for their third straight win as they lost to the Lexington Legends 7-5 Wednesday afternoon at West End Field. Hunter Jones (1-4) suffered the gut-wrenching loss, surrendering six runs on five hits and a walk in 2.0 innings of work.

The Drive broke through with a run in the bottom of the third thanks to a triple from third baseman Zak Farkes. Bubba Bell, who had reached on an error, scored from first as Farkes' hit went to the notch in left-center.

In the bottom of the sixth, Greenville added another run to take a 2-0 lead. Yahmed Yema led off the inning with a walk and went to second on a wild pitch. After Mark Wagner walked, Yema advanced to third on Logan Sorensen's fielder's choice. A batter later Yema scored as Tony Granadillo hit a sacrifice fly to right.

After Drive starting pitcher Clay Buchholz pitched 5.0 shutout innings, allowing two hits and five walks while striking out five, the Legends finally got on the board in the seventh with a run off Ismael Casillas. Ryan Reed tripled to right field as Bell crashed into the wall trying to make a spectacular catch. Pedro Espinoza then followed with a sacrifice fly to left.

Greenville was cruising on all cylinders as they countered with three runs in the bottom of the seventh, extending their lead to 5-1. Zak Farkes led off with a single and then stole second. With two outs Dominic Ramos doubled home Farkes. Yema then walked and Wagner doubled home both runners.

The Drive then went into reverse as reliever Hunter Jones allowed three-run homers in the eighth and ninth innings to allow Lexington to pick up the victory. With one out in the eighth, Ole Sheldon and Koby Clemens hit back-to-back singles setting up Ryan Reed's blast.

An inning later Sheldon became the hero as the SAL All-Star belted his fifth home run of the season with Wladimir Sutil and Nate Warrick aboard. Sheldon finished the day 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBI and two runs scored.

Chris Blazek (1-0) picked up his first win of the season tossing 2.1 shutout innings in relief while allowing a hit and a walk. Yema represented the tying run in the Drive's last at bat with Ramos aboard, however Blazek induced him into a game-ending double play.

The Drive and Legends conclude their four-game series Thursday night at West End Field with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Greenville will send right-hander Michael Bowden to the mound as Lexington will counter with right-hander Garrett Murdy.

Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling the Drive Ticket Office at 864-240-4528 or online at www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

NOTES: Zak Farkes led the Drive offensively going 3-for-4 at the plate...It was Farkes' first multi-hit game of the season...Mark Wagner led the Drive with two RBI...Raymar Diaz earned a no-decision for the Legends, tossing 6.2 innings allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out 3...RHP Chad Rhoades was promoted earlier in the day from the GCL Red Sox as LHP Matt Hancock was sent to the GCL Red Sox...Attendance was 4934

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 28, 2006


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