SAL1 Greenville Drive

Struggles Continue For Drive, Lose 6-1 To Intimidators

Published on May 9, 2007 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Kannapolis, NC - The Drive's (11-21) early season woes continued Wednesday as they dropped their early afternoon match-up with the Kannapolis Intimidators 6-1 at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. With the loss Greenville's season-high losing streak was extended to seven games.

Starter Chris Jones (1-4), a 2006 Sally League All-Star, got off to a rocky start surrendering three runs in the bottom of the first. With one out, Brandon Jones doubled home Matt Sharp and Chris Carter, before later scoring on a single off the bat of Lee Cruz.

Things did not fare better for the right-handed pitcher as he allowed two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Jones was unable to get out of inning as he was relieved by southpaw Adam Blackley with two outs.

Blackley, along with fellow relievers T.J. Large and Joshua Papelbon were able to stop the hemorrhaging as they combined to allow just one more run on three hits over the final 4.1 innings. Unfortunately the Intimidators were too strong too early.

Kannapolis (13-19) starter Justin Edwards was dealing in his fourth victory of the year, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing three hits. It wasn't until the top of the seventh, trailing 5-0, that the Drive were finally able to muster a run off reliever Carlos Perez.

Designated hitter Jon Still led off the inning with a ground-rule double, but it looked as if he would be stranded 180 feet from home after Chih-Hsien Chiang and Jason Place both flew out. Fortunately Reid Engel was able to come through with a two-out, RBI-single for the Drive's only run.

Game three of the four-game series is set for Thursday evening with first pitch at 7:05 PM. Right-hander Brian Steinocher will head to the mound for the Drive as the Intimidators counter with fellow righty Jake Rasner.

The Drive return home on Saturday, May 11th when they begin an eight-game home stand, starting with the first place Augusta GreenJackets.

Don't forget, Sunday is Mother's Day and what better way to show mom how much you love her than by celebrating with Drive baseball. Tickets for all Drive home games can be purchased by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com or by calling (864) 240-4500.

NOTES: Newcomer Chih-Hsien Chiang led the Drive at the plate with two hits...RHP Joshua Papelbon extended his scoreless inning streak to 8.2 innings, spanning seven relief appearances...Drive batters combined to go 6-for-33 (.182) in Wednesday's loss...The Drive's longest losing streak of the 2006 season was 8 games, from August 18-26

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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



South Atlantic League Stories from May 9, 2007


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