SAL1 Greenville Drive

Sand Gnats Edge Drive, 2-1, in Series Finale

Published on May 1, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Backed by stellar starting pitching, neither the Drive (12-10) nor the Savannah Sand Gnats (13-9) were able to plate a run through the first seven innings of Friday night's game at Fluor Field. But in the end it was the Sand Gnats won a 2-1 nailbiter in the series finale.

Both Stolmy Pimentel for the Drive, and Elvin Ramirez for the Sand Gnats held their opponents scoreless for five-plus innings, albeit in totally different fashions. Pimentel lasted 5-2/3 innings, scattering eight hits and three walks. Ramirez allowed just one hit - a first inning, leadoff single by Ryan Dent - and a pair of walks while fanning six. The one common factor was that neither factored into the decision.

The Sand Gnats broke a scoreless tie in the eighth when Sean Ratliff laced a one-out double off Hunter Strickland (1-2), and later scored on Josh Satin's RBI-single. But the Drive were able to tie the game in the home half when Dent delivered two out, RBI-single.

But in the ninth, things did not go Greenville's way as the Sand Gnats collected the eventual game-winner. Rafael Fernandez led off the inning with a single and Jefry Marte followed by getting hit by a pitch before the runners advanced on Wilmer Flores' sacrifice bunt. The winning run scored as Sean Ratliff hit a slower roller in which the Drive were not able to complete a double play, allowing Fernandez to score.

Down a run and down to their final at bat, Jimmy Johnson (1-0) retired the first two batters for Savannah before turning the game over to Erik Turgeon to close out the game for his third save.

The Drive now travel to the lowcountry of South Carolina, to play their cross-state rivals the Charleston RiverDogs, affiliate of the New York Yankees. First pitch at Joseph P. Riley Stadium is set for 7:05 PM on Saturday, with right-hander Bryan Price toeing the rubber for Greenville. Charleston will counter with right-hander Hector Noesi.

While the Drive are away, there will still be great baseball action at Fluor Field on Wednesday, May 6th as the Clemson Tigers and Furman Paladins will face-off. Single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com for more information.

NOTES: Drive Manager Kevin Boles was ejected in the top of the 9th for arguing with home plate umpire Steve Cooper...Savannah won 3 of the 4 games...attendance was 5,707

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 1, 2009


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