SAL1 Greensboro Grasshoppers

Drive Stuck In Neutral In 6-3 Loss To Tourists

Published on June 16, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greensboro Grasshoppers News Release


Greenville, SC - Early runs and then a late-game power surge was the demise of the Greenville Drive Friday night in front of a record 6,822 fans in their 6-3 loss to the Asheville Tourists. With the loss the Drive, who have lost six of their last eight, dropped to just a game above .500 at 34-33.

The Tourists tagged starting pitcher Michael Rozier (4-3) for three runs on three hits in the top of the first to take an early lead from which the Drive would not be able to recover. Eric Young, Jr. led off the inning with a double and after Cole Garner walked Asheville executed a double steal. Both runners would score three batters later as Daniel Carte smacked a one-out, bases loaded doubled to left. Phillip Cuadrado followed with a single to left, plating Travis Becktel.

Greenville would collect their first run in the bottom of the second on two hits. Mark Wagner singled to lead off the inning and Tony Granadillo followed with a walk. Wagner then advanced to third as Granadillo was forced out on Logan Sorensen's fielder's choice. Chris Turner then delivered a single to center, knocking in Wagner.

After four scoreless innings, the Tourists broke threw with one run in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings all solo home runs. In the sixth, Carte homered off Rozier. Rozier was then replaced three batters later for Ismael Casillas. Cole Garner and Christopher Cook each hit solo shots off Casillas in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.

The Drive's final two runs came in the sixth and seventh innings. In the sixth Wagner reached base with a two-out walk. A passed ball and a wild pitch allowed him to advance to third before Sorensen singled him home.

In the seventh, Mitch Stachowsky led off by belting a first pitch offering from Asheville reliever David Patton. It was Stachowsky's second homer of the season.

Starting pitcher Xavier Cedeno (4-4) picked up the victory tossing 6.0 surrendering two runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks, while striking out one. Andrew Johnston pitched a perfect ninth, striking out one, to pick up his fourth save.

The Drive and Tourists continue their series tomorrow with a doubleheader at West End Field starting at 5:05 PM. Game one is the continuation of the June 11th game that was suspended in the top of the second inning at Asheville with the teams deadlocked at 0-0. Right-hander Michael Bowden will take the mound for the Drive as the Tourists will send right-hander Buzz Vargas in the game where Asheville will be the home team. In game two the Tourists will start right-hander Zach Simons as Greenville's starter has yet to be determined.

Saturday's game will also feature an appearance by the ZOO!perstars and it is also the second season ticket holder giveaway of the season - a commemorative Greenville Drive logo baseball.

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.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 16, 2006


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