Lavarnway Powers Drive Past Intimidators, 7-5, in Series Finale
August 28, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Greenville, SC - It's been very tough to beat the Drive (67-61, 28-32) in series finale games at Fluor Field. Following a 7-5 win Friday versus the Kannapolis Intimidators (77-52, 40-19), due in large part by Ryan Lavarnway's two-homer night, Greenville has won five of their last six in the final game of a series on their home turf.
Lavarnway's first blast, a solo shot in the bottom of the first, tied the game after the Intimidators plated a run of their own.
But two innings later, the Yale alum was at the center of the Drive's scoring once again, as he belted a three run homer off Nevin Griffith. Greenville added a fourth run in the inning, going up by four runs, when Chris McGuiness was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
The Intimidators and Drive traded runs in the fourth inning as Brandon Short homered for Kannapolis, and Oscar Tejeda scored on a wild pitch for Greenville. However, the Drive could have done more damage, but failed to do so, as they left the sacks full.
Caleb Clay turned in the first strong effort by a Drive starting pitcher in three games as he allowed only two runs on three hits, while walking none and fanning one in 5.0 innings.
With Mike Lee relieving Clay to start the sixth, the Intimidators made a run at a comeback with two runs, both coming on Josh Phegley's two-out single. An inning later, Kannapolis pulled within a run when Daniel Wagner led off with a solo homer.
Lee had his back up against the wall in the top of the 9th as he surrendered a leadoff double to Dan Black. Following a pop out, the first baseman advanced to third on a ground out. However, the tying run would be stranded 90 feet from home as Lee struckout Kenny Williams to record his first save.
The Drive now travel to Lexington, KY for a three-game series with the Legends at Applebee's Park. Right-hander Stolmy Pimentel (9-7, 3.76 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville in the opener, as Lexington counters with right-hander Kyle Greenwalt (8-12, 3.85 ERA).
The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Tuesday, September 1st, when they begin the final homestand of the 2009 regular season. Tuesday is also Spartanburg Community Night at the ballpark...For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.
South Atlantic League Stories from August 28, 2009
- Grasshoppers Sweep Tourists, Take Series - Asheville Tourists
- Lavarnway Powers Drive Past Intimidators, 7-5, in Series Finale - Greenville Drive
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- Legends win 6-2, take three of four from Hickory - Lexington Legends
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- Rain Washes Out Series Opener - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Charleston-Augusta Postponed Due to Rain - Charleston RiverDogs
- Friday Night's Suns-Shorebirds Game Postponed - Hagerstown Suns
- RiverDogs, Braves to Play Twinbill on September 1 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Grasshoppers on Verge of Yet Another Milestone - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- Hot Rods Release 2010 Midwest League Schedule - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- Braves First Rounder Minor To Start Against Gnats On Saturday - Rome Emperors
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