SAL1 Greenville Drive

Kelly's Three Doubles Carry Drive Past Legends in 10 Innings

Published on August 4, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Just when it looked like the Drive (57-48, 18-19) were dead in the water, Ryan Lavarnway belted a solo homer in the bottom of the 9th to send Tuesday's game with the Lexington Legends (53-54, 17-20) into extra innings.

An inning later, Casey Kelly delivered the game-winner. The Red Sox top pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft collected his third double of the game, plating Pete Hissey to give Greenville a 4-3 walk-off win.

It was fitting that Kelly's final double won the game, as his first two-bagger put Greenville up 1-0 in the bottom of first. Following Jeremy Hazelbaker's leadoff single, Kelly laced an opposite field shot off Kyle Greenwalt, careening off the right-centerfield wall.

Making his first professional career start, Mike Lee looked solid. The right-hander held the Legends scoreless through the first three innings. It wasn't until the top of the fourth that Lexington was able to tie the game on Andy Simunic's two-out, RBI-single.

Following Kelly's second double in the in the bottom of the sixth, Zach Gentile gave the Drive a one-run lead with a run-scoring single.

However, with reliever Felix Ventura on the mound, the Legends were able to tie the game once again in the top of the eighth. Ventura retired the first two batters of the inning, but then issued a walk and back-to-back singles for Lexington's second run.

The Legends then took a temporary lead in the top of the ninth as Simunic drew a leadoff walk, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by Lavarnway, and scored on Eric Suttle's sacrifice fly.

Chad Povich (2-0), who gave up the unearned run in the ninth, added a scoreless 10th inning to earn the victory.

The Drive and Legends meet again on Wednesday in the second game of their four-game series at Fluor Field, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Left-hander Fabian Williamson (7-3, 2.13 ERA) will head to the mound for Greenville, as Lexington counters with right-hander Jordan Lyles (6-9, 3.42 ERA).

Upstate Fest presented by State Farm continues at Fluor Field on Tuesday with the celebration of the Golden Strip - Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. Commemorative t-shirts will be on sale at the game, with proceeds benefiting the Center for Community Services. In addition, LivN Nsidout Wellness Complex will have several stations along the concourse level at the ballpark. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 4, 2009


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