SAL1 Greenville Drive

Four-Run Eighth Gives Sand Gnats 7-4 Win Over Drive

Published on April 30, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - A costly two-out error in the top of the eighth opened the flood gates, leading to four runs for the Savannah Sand Gnats (12-9) who edged the Drive (12-9) 7-4 Thursday night at Fluor Field.

With the score knotted at 3-3, Eric Campbell appeared to have hit into an inning-ending double play. However, Anthony Rizzo couldn't handle Ryan Dent's through allowing Jefry Marte to score. Savannah padded their lead when Jean Luc Blaquiere belted a three-run homer two batters later off Lance McClain (2-1).

The Drive attempted a comeback in their final at bat, as Pete Hissey laced an RBI-double to pull within three runs. After Dent walked, Rizzo stepped to the plate representing the tying run. However, Rhiner Cruz induced a fly ball that was caught right in front of the Green Monster for the final out and his fourth save.

With a pair of runs in the top of the second off Greenville starter Brock Huntzinger, and another in the fourth, the Sand Gnats took an early 3-0 lead. But the Drive came back, scoring three times in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff single by Rizzo, Tim Federowicz cut the deficit to a run with a two-run homer, his fourth of the season. Michael Almanzar, who finished 2-for-4 at the plate, then delivered an RBI-single to tie the game.

Armando Zerpa finished the month of April without allowing a run in his five appearances. Thursday night the southpaw tossed 2.0 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, extending his streak to 14.0 innings.

The Drive and Sand Gnats conclude their four-game series Friday night with first pitch set for 7 PM at Fluor Field. Right-hander Stolmy Pimentel will head to the hill for Greenville as Savannah counters with right-hander Elvin Ramirez.

Following Friday night's game will be a post-game fireworks show. Each fireworks show has a different musical theme with tomorrow's being a tribute to The King - Elvis Pressley. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

NOTES: Anthony Rizzo extended his South Atlantic League-leading hitting streak to 13 games...Mitch Dening has hit safely in his last 7 games, and has reached base safely in his last 19 games - a South Atlantic League best...attendance was 4,806

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 30, 2009


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