SAL1 Greenville Drive

Late Scoring Pushes BlueClaws Past Drive, 4-3

Published on July 13, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Lakewood, NJ - For the second time in three games with the BlueClaws, the Drive took a lead into the later innings. With Greenville (49-45, 9-15) claiming stake to a 3-0 lead through five innings, the Lakewood (53-41, 15-9) offense used a four-run sixth to come away with a 4-3 victory Sunday at FirstEnergy Park.

Making his second appearance with the Drive, Michael Rozier (0-1) did not fare much better than he did on Friday. After striking out the first batter he faced, the southpaw ran into trouble, allowing the next five batters to all reach base.

Michael Durant began the scoring for the BlueClaws, singling home Dominic Brown. Two batters later, T.J. Warren put his team up for good, clearing a bases loaded situation with a three-run double, ending Rozier's short outing.

It didn't take the Drive long to score, amassing a 2-0 lead in their first at bat. After Ryan Kalish drew a lead off walk and advanced to second on a Jacob Diekman (3-5) balk, Ty Weeden doubled home the speedy outfielder. Two batters later, David Mailman delivered a two-out, RBI-single.

The Drive extended their lead to three runs in the top of the fourth as Oscar Tejeda led off with a double and scored as Juan Apodaca followed with an RBI-single.

The one constant of late for the Drive has been their exceptional starting pitching. Sunday's starter Ryne Lawson went 5.0 scoreless innings, scattering three hits and a pair of walks, while fanning four. Greenville's starters versus Lakewood - Terumasa Matsuo, Chad Povich, and Lawson - have yet to allow a run in the first three games of the series, spanning 17.0 innings.

After Rozier's tumultuous appearance, Ryne Miller and Felix Ventura held the BlueClaws scoreless over the final 2.2 innings. But the damage had already been done.

The Drive will look to split the four-game series with a victory in tomorrow's finale with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. A pair of left-handers will square off as Greenville sends All-Star Felix Doubront to the hill and Lakewood counters with Walter Tejeda.

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Wednesday, July 16th when the began an eight-game homestand with the Lake County Captains, affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information regarding single-game tickets, ticket plans, group outings and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

NOTES: With a single in the top of the seventh, Ryan Kalish extended his hit streak to 13 games...It is the tied for the 16th longest streak in the South Atlantic League in 2008, and the 2nd longest active streak in the league

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from July 13, 2008


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.

OurSports Central