Intimidators Give Drive an Early Wake-Up Call
April 22, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Kannapolis, NC - With first pitch at ten in the morning, it took the Drive's bats seven innings to wake-up. When they did, they struck for four runs, but it wasn't enough as the Kannapolis Intimidators plated a pair of runs in the eighth and ninth innings to capture a 5-4 walk-off win.
Starting pitch Casey Kelly continued to baffle opposing hitters, tossing 5.0 shutout frames to extend his scoreless inning streak to 15.0 innings to begin the 2009 season. The 19-year-old right-hander limited the Intimidators to just two hits, while striking out four.
It wasn't until Caleb Clay (0-1) entered from 'pen in the sixth that Kannapolis posted a run. Justin Greene led off with a triple and it appeared he'd be stranded there until Sergio Morales hit a two-out triple.
Having been victimized for six innings by Intimidators starter Charlie Leesman, the Drive were able to finally breakthrough for some runs of their own off the right-hander. Sending eight batters to the plate, Greenville scored four times, highlighted by a two-run error and Jon Hee's RBI-single.
The lead would not last however, as Kannapolis pulled within a run in the eighth inning and came away with two more in the ninth for the walk-off win. After a bases loaded wild pitch tied the game, Greene delivered a game-winning single.
The Drive and Intimidators continue their four-game series tomorrow morning with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Yeiper Castillo will toe the rubber for Greenville, as Kannapolis sends right-hander Dexter Carter to the hill.
The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Tuesday, April 28th for four games with the Savannah Sand Gnats, affiliate of the New York Mets. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.
• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...
South Atlantic League Stories from April 22, 2009
- RiverDogs Whack GreenJackets, 13-2 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Power lose lead, then game - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Gnats back in the win column - Savannah Sand Gnats
- BlueClaws Score Six at Home, Down Captains - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Intimidators Give Drive an Early Wake-Up Call - Greenville Drive
- Legends hold off Crawdads, 4-3 - Lexington Legends
- Tonight's Game Postponed - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Suns Washed Out of Delmarva With Another Postponement - Hagerstown Suns
- Master Yogi Berra Sets Professional Baseball History - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Tourists Rout Grasshoppers - Asheville Tourists
- Knowshon Moreno Tonight, Fireworks Friday, and much more! - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Greene's walk-off single caps Intimidators comeback - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Greenville Drive Stories
- Drive Relinquish Lead Late; Fall 7-6 in Walk-off Fashion to Wilmington
- Drive Come-From-Behind Twice to Take Sunday Finale from Hot Rods, 6-4
- Gonzalez Goes Yard Twice, But Drive Fall 10-5 to Hot Rods' Late-Inning Offense
- Drive Blanked by Hot Rods, 6-0
- Rose Delivers Walk-off Single as Drive End Four-Game Skid with 8-7 Victory Over Hot Rods