SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Win Third Straight Over Charleston, 4-2

Published on August 24, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - A night after he belted his 10th homer of the season, Reynaldo Rodriguez came out for an encore on Tuesday. The first baseman was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, knocking in one run as the Drive (70-57, 34-23) defeated the Charleston RiverDogs (60-67, 29-29), 4-2, in the series finale at Fluor Field.

More importantly, Greenville heads into Wednesday's off day trailing first place Asheville - who suffered a 16-8 loss to the Savannah - by just a game, as the Drive host the Tourists for four crucial games.

The game did get off to a rocky start for hurler Ryan Pressly (5-6), who surrendered the RiverDogs only two runs in the top of the second. The right-hander issued a leadoff walk to Neil Medchill and then gave up a double to Ramon Flores before Emerson Landoni plated the game's first run with a sacrifice fly. Kelvin Castro later added an RBI-single.

However, Pressly was able to retire the next seven batters he faced, not allowing another Charleston baserunner until his final inning in the top of the fifth, but would not allow him to get past second base.

The Drive offense orchestrated a comeback with single runs in four separate innings, beginning with the second and third frames to tie the game. Shannon Wilkerson set up Wilfred Pichardo's two, RBI-single in the second by singling, stealing second and then advancing to third on a groundout.

An inning later, Greenville was able to take advantage of a fielding error by third baseman Rob Lyerly, which allowed Derrik Gibson to reach base. The speedy shortstop proceeded to swipe second, move up to third on Rodriguez's first hit, and score on Michael Almanzar's grounder.

The Drive accounted for their final two runs by scoring in back-to-back innings again, in the fifth and sixth. Rodriguez knocked in Jeremy Hazelbaker, putting Greenville up 3-2, with his one-single in the fifth inning. In the sixth, Christian Vazquez led off with a double and scored as Wilkerson followed with an RBI-single.

The two-run cushion was more than enough for reliever Jeremiah Bayer, who scattered six hits but was able to strikeout four over 4.0 shutout innings. By securing the Greenville victory, the Trinity (CT) College alum picked up his eighth save of the season.

Game one of the four-game set between the Drive and Tourists is set for 7:05 PM on Thursday. Left-hander Manuel Rivera (4-9, 4.26 ERA) will toe the slab for Greenville as they try to move back into a first place tie. Asheville will counter with right-hander Nick Schnaitmann (8-8, 5.01 ERA).

In addition, Thursday night is "Dollar Drink Night" at Fluor Field. Fans can purchase 12 ounce Pepsi products at any of the concession stands for just a buck, while those at least 21-year-of-age can head over to The 500 Club for draft specials. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, or luxury accommodations, call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 24, 2010


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