SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Suffer 6-5 Loss to RiverDogs

Published on April 22, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - For the second straight night the Drive (8-8) outhit the opposition, but once again it yielded the same results. Greenville saw a three-run lead vanish in the bottom of the sixth, as the Charleston RiverDogs (9-7) got the best of reliever Garrett Rau (1-1) for a 6-5 win Friday night at Riley Park.

Manny Rivera continued to impress on the mound, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk, while fanning seven over 5.0 innings. The lefty retired the game's first seven batters, five of which came by the whiff, and was in line for his third victory when he exited.

The RiverDogs, however, tagged Rau for four runs on four hits in his first inning of relief. Each of the first four batters of the frame reached safely with Gary Sanchez collecting an RBI-single, and Rob Segedin tying the game with a two-run double. Jose Mojica's two-out, RBI-single proved to be the game-winner.

Greenville's best opportunities to regain the lead came in the seventh and ninth innings, but the Charleston bullpen was able to come away unscathed. With the bases loaded and only one out in the top of the seventh, Tom Kahnle was able to strikeout Brandon Jacobs and Lucas LeBlanc to end the threat. The Drive left another runner in scoring position in their final at bat.

In addition to Rivera's strong start on the hill, the offense provided a nice compliment with Bryce Brentz giving the Drive an early 1-0 lead when he crushed a first inning homer, his third of the season. After falling behind 2-1, the Drive built a three-run lead with a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Following a leadoff double by David Renfroe in the top of the fifth, Christian Vazquez jumped on a first pitch offering from Shane Greene for his second round-tripper in as many nights. An inning later, Greenville extended their lead by scoring on a Charleston throwing error and a wild pitch.

The Drive look to end their nine-game road trip with a victory on Saturday in the series finale with the RiverDogs, as first pitch is set for 7:05 PM from Riley Park. Greenville will send right-hander Kyle Stroup (1-1, 4.50 ERA) to the mound, while Charleston counters with southpaw Nik Turley (1-1, 5.65 ERA).

Following the series in the lowcountry of South Carolina, and an off day, the Drive return home to Greenville on Monday, April 25th for a 9-game homestand. For more information regarding single-game tickets, luxury accommodations, group outings, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 22, 2011


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