SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Swat GreenJackets, 10-4, Behind 15 Hits

Published on July 31, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Augusta, GA - After both the Drive and Augusta GreenJackets failed to post a run through the first four innings Friday night, one team broke through in a big way. Greenville (55-47, 16-18) scored in four of their final five at bats, including three multi-run innings, to defeat the ‘Jackets (55-49, 20-15) 10-4 at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

Making sure that Fabian Williamson's (7-3) quality start would end by earning a no-decision, the Drive broke a scoreless tie in the top of the fifth behind three extra-base hits. It wasn't until the fourth that Will Middlebrooks recorded his first of three hits in the game, leading off the frame with a double.

Pete Hissey then followed with an RBI-triple, as did Jeremy Hazelbaker two batters later. Hazelbaker tried to add to the lead on Casey Kelly's grounder to short, but was gunned down at the plate.

Williamson then capped his 5.0 shutout inning performance, by working around a double and walk in the home half of the inning. The lefty scattered three hits and three walks in the outing while striking out four.

The Drive were held scoreless in the top of the sixth but pounced on three Augusta relievers for eight runs in the final three innings. Kyle Woodruff was the first victim, surrendering three runs in the top of the seventh. Hissey began the inning with a double and scored on Hazelbaker's single.

Following a walk to Zach Gentile, Woodruff was replaced by Edwin Quirarte. Four pitches into his relief appearance, Quirarte surrendered a three-run homer to Jered Stanley, his first since joining the Drive on June 25th.

Sending seven batters to the plate in the top of the eighth, Greenville added three more runs. Hazelbaker collected his third RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly, and Gentile added a two-out, two-run single.

Greenville closed out their scoring with one more run in their final at bat. Mitch Dening reached base by being hit by a pitch, advanced to second on Middlebrooks' third hit, and scored on Mike Thomas' two-out, RBI-single.

Despite surrendering four runs - two earned - over the final four innings, Jeremy Kehrt earned his first save since being promoted from Lowell on July 13th. The right-hander was able to work through eight hits and a hit batsman, while fanning two, with minimal damage.

With the series split at a game each, the Drive will send right-hander Stolmy Pimentel (9-5, 3.11 ERA) to the mound to face left-hander Aaron King (4-5, 3.70 ERA). First pitch from Lake Olmstead Stadium comes at 7:05 PM.

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Tuesday, August 4th for a four-game series against the Lexington Legends. Tuesday is also Green Day at Fluor Field, when the Drive celebrate the 178th birthday of the City of Greenville. One citizen is also recognized for their drive and dedication into helping shape Greenville into the city it has become. This year's honoree is C. Dan Joyner. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 31, 2009


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