SAL1 Greenville Drive

Greenville Wins Again In Green Uniforms, 3-2

Published on August 9, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - For the second straight game the Greenville Drive wore their green alternate uniforms, and for the second day in a row in yielded the same results. The Drive defeated the Suns 3-2 Wednesday afternoon, closing out the four-game series with three straight victories after dropping game one. With the win Greenville improves to 26-20 in the second half, and puts pressure on first place Augusta who plays tonight.

Starting pitcher Michael Bowden continued the Drive's string of excellent starting pitching to earn his eighth victory of the season, tying Clay Buchholz for the team-lead. Bowden surrendered one run on three hits and two walks, while striking out three.

The Suns got off to an early start, scoring in the bottom of the first. Hector Pellot reached base with a walk and then stole second. Two batters later Nick Evans hit a two out single up the middle, scoring Pellot.

However, the Drive would make sure the lead did not last long as they answered back in the bottom of the first, tying the game at 1-1. Dustin Kelly stroked a one-out triple to right and scored when Yahmed Yema followed with a sacrifice fly to right.

The Drive would extend their lead to two runs with a run in the fourth and fifth innings. In the fourth Yema led off with a single and advanced to third on Mark Wagner's double. Tony Granadillo then hit into a fielder's choice, with Yema being tagged out at home, but Wagner was able to advance to third. Aaron Bates followed with a sacrifice fly to center, deep enough to score Wagner from third.

An inning later the Drive would collect their final run of the ballgame, which would prove to be the game winner. Luis Soto led off with a single to right, advanced to second on Christian Lara's groundout, and went to third on a wild pitch. Mickey Hall then doubled to right, plating Soto.

After being held scoreless for seven straight innings, four by Bowden and three by releiever Tim Cox, the Suns gave the Drive a scare in their final at bat. Leivi Ventura hit a one-out double off Jason Blackey and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jesus Gamero's groundout scored Ventura, cutting Greenville's lead to just a run. Blackey, however, was able to bear down and get Drew Butera to hit into a game-ending groundout.

Bobby Parnell took the tough luck loss for the Suns, surrendering all three of the Drive's runs on seven hits, while striking out eight.

The Drive now travel to Columbus, GA for a four-game series with the Catfish, affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team returns home on Tuesday, August 15 when they begin an eight-game home stand, starting with the New York Yankees affiliate, Charleston RiverDogs. First pitch for the 15th is set for 7:05 PM.

Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling the Drive Ticket Office at 864-240-4528 or online at www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

NOTES: Mickey Hall and Yahmed Yema led the Drive with two hits apiece...With his three strikeouts, Bowden is now the Drive team-leader with 114 on the season...Attendance was 3912

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 9, 2006


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