Huntzinger, Bullpen Halt Hot Rods, 3-0, for Drive's 12th Shutout
September 1, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Greenville, SC - After Tuesday night's performance, it was easy to see why Drive pitching coach Bob Kipper was selected to the South Atlantic League End-of-Season All-Star Team.
That's because the trio of starting pitcher Brock Huntzinger, and relievers Mitch Herold and Kyle Rutter combined for Greenville's (69-63, 30-34) 12th shutout of the season, defeating the Bowling Green Hot Rods 3-0.
The Hot Rods (63-69, 29-33) threatened twice early, but the right-hander persevered and was able to get around runners in scoring position in the first and fourth innings. Anthony Scelfo and Isaias Velasquez each singled to leadoff the first inning, but Huntzinger then retired the next three batters he faced with two flyouts and a popout.
Three innings later Huntzinger worked out of a bases loaded jam. He sat down the first two batters of the inning but then issued two walks and allowed a single before inducing Jason Tweedy to flyout to end the threat.
Huntzinger was perfect in the other three innings of his outing as he evened his record to 9-9 on the year.
The Drive broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth when Shannon Wilkerson delivered a leadoff triple off Frank De Los Santos (4-10). The speedy leftfielder then scored when he beat the throw home on Will Middlebrooks' grounder to third base.
With two more runs in the bottom of the seventh, Greenville gave themselves some more breathing room. Oscar Tejeda drew a leadoff walk against reliever Juan Santana, and scored as Zach Gentile tripled. Two batters later, Pete Hissey recorded an RBI-single, extending his season-high hit streak to 14 games.
Herold and Rutter turned in strong performances out of the bullpen, limiting the Hot Rods to four hits while walking none over the final four innings. Herold allowed just one hit and struckout two in two innings.
Rutter added two scoreless innings, working out of a jam of his own in the eighth inning, to earn his first save of the season.
The Drive and Hot Rods meet in the second game of their series on Wednesday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Caleb Clay (5-6, 3.93 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Bowling Green counters with left-hander Michael Jarman (4-5, 3.86 ERA)
For tomorrow night's game, the first 2,000 fans through the gates at Fluor Field will receive a free adjustable Drive hat. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.
GAME NOTES:
With his 0-for-2 night, Will Middlebrooks' hit streak was snapped at 16 games...the Drive have guaranteed themselves at least a .500 record for the 2009 regular season
South Atlantic League Stories from September 1, 2009
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- Charleston Sweeps Tuesday Doubleheader From Rome - Charleston RiverDogs
- Huntzinger, Bullpen Halt Hot Rods, 3-0, for Drive's 12th Shutout - Greenville Drive
- West Virgina powers by Kannapolis, 7-3 - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Asheville Comes Up Short In Game One - Asheville Tourists
- Leach Strong Again In Power Victory - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Pellegrini ties single-season HR mark in Legends win - Lexington Legends
- Pitching Earns GreenJackets Earn Key Twinbill Sweep - Augusta GreenJackets
- Weird Hit Wins it for Lakewood - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- GreenJackets Take Twin Bill - Savannah Sand Gnats
- McLouth to Rehab in Rome - Rome Emperors
- Tree Planting Scheduled for Wednesday - Rome Emperors
- Bolden promoted to AAA Oklahoma City - Hickory Crawdads
- GreenJackets Extend "Fan Appreciation Weekend" - Augusta GreenJackets
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- Former Sand Gnat Josh Thole Called Up To New York - Savannah Sand Gnats
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- Beckham Named South Atlantic League All-Star - Bowling Green Hot Rods
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