SAL1 Greenville Drive

Hot Bats Continue For Drive In 9-6 Win

Published on September 2, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Greenville Drive pounded out 17 hits Saturday night, two shy of a team-high, en route to 9-6 victory over the Kannapolis Intimidators. Eight of the nine Drive batters recorded at least one hit, while seven had multiple hits. The Drive also improved to a perfect 5-0 when they where their green alternate uniforms.

Kannapolis struck first with two runs in the top of the first off of starter Tim Cox. With two outs, Anderson Gomes and Brandon Allen hit back-to-back home runs.

The Drive would answer right back, cutting the lead in half with a run in the bottom of the second and taking the lead with two more the very next inning. In the second Mike Leonard singled home Tony Granadillo. An inning later Mickey Hall tripled home Ryan Khoury, and Yahmed Yema collected an RBI as he singled home Hall.

With two runs in the top of the fourth, the Intimidators regained a 4-3 lead. Once again Gomes and Allen were the reasons for Kannapolis scoring as Gomes walked and Allen followed with his second home run of the game.

The seesaw battle continued as the Drive tied the game in the sixth. Matt Mercurio doubled to left with one out. Israel Chirino then relieved starter Ricky Brooks, but only faced one batter as he surrendered an RBI single to Hall.

Greenville then pulled away in the bottom of the seventh, plating five runs on five hits off reliever Matt Long. With the bases loaded, Aaron Bates scored on a wild pitch to get the ball rolling. Mercurio then doubled home Luis Soto and Leonard before scoring on Khoury's double. The Drive would score their final run as Ramos doubled to left, scoring Khoury.

Kannapolis, however, would not go quietly, giving Greenville a scare in the top of the ninth. With two outs, Fernando Valenzuela, Jr. singled home Aaron Cunningham and Eric Mesa. Ryan Colvin was then relieved by Blake Maxwell who induced Jose Castillo into a game-ending groundout to earn his 14th save.

Chad Rhoades, who pitched 3.0 scoreless innings in relief, picked up his first victory of the season.

The Drive and Intimidators continue the final series of the season tomorrow night with first pitch set for 5:05 PM. Southpaw Ryan Phillips will toe the rubber for Greenville as Kannapolis counters with right-hander Jose Zazueta. Tickets to can be purchased by calling the Drive Ticket Office at 864-240-4528 or online at www.greenvilledrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from September 2, 2006


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