SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Topple Captains, 7-3, Behind Home Runs

July 19, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Eastlake, OH - It's been a series of firsts for the Drive. A day after Zach Gentile belted his first homer of the season on Saturday, Mitch Dening followed suit with his first round tripper Sunday as Greenville (51-40, 12-11) defeated the Lake County Captains (42-49, 11-13), 7-3.

The Australian native gave the Drive a 3-0 lead in the top of the first blasting a three-run shot off Lake County starter Trey Haley (2-6) with two outs. Dening had to wait a little longer than Gentile to record his first home run of 2009, as it came on his 266th at bat of the season.

Two innings later another three-run homer by the Drive extended their lead to six runs. After Haley issued back-to-back walks to Kade Keowen and Will Middlebrooks, Ryan Dent made the right-hander pay by driving a 2-1 pitch over the leftfield wall.

Greenville would score their final run in the top of the sixth, taking a 7-0 lead. Gentile laced a two-out single, scoring Jeremy Hazelbaker from second.

Making his eighth start of the season, Nick Hagadone matched a season-high by lasting 3.0 innings, while he still recovers from Tommy John Surgery. The southpaw scattered two hits and two walks, while fanning four before giving way to the Greenville bullpen.

Mike Lee followed Hagadone (2-3), tossing two shutout innings before the Captains scored their first run in the bottom of the sixth. Lee would be charged with two more runs as he exited in the bottom of the eighth, leaving a pair of Lake County baserunners on with Nate Recknagel tallying a two-run double off Lance McClain.

The Drive and Captains conclude their four-game series tomorrow with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at Classic Park. Right-hander Hunter Strickland (5-4, 3.22 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville as Lake County counters with left-hander Chris Jones (3-2, 4.75 ERA).

The Drive return home from their northern trek on Wednesday, July 22nd when they begin an eight-game homestand at Fluor Field. Greenville "Pitches In" kicks-off the homestand as anyone can come to Fluor Field beginning at 6 AM to throw out a first pitch. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children's Hospital at Greenville Hospital System. 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 19, 2009


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