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SAL1 Greenville Drive

Wilson, Almanzar Guide Drive Past RiverDogs, 5-2

August 25, 2011 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - Only 10 games remain in 2011, and it will be the most intense time of the season as the Drive (71-59, 33-27) are set to return home to Fluor Field following a 5-2 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs (50-80, 24-36) in the series finale at "The Joe."

The victory in the Lowcountry, along with another win for Augusta, means that the five-game series with the GreenJackets in Downtown Greenville beginning Friday to closeout the Drive's home schedule, will be the most crucial of the season, and could very well determine who advances to the South Atlantic League playoffs. The GreenJackets are currently in second place, one game out of first place, while the Drive are in third place and only two games out of first.

Filling in for the injured Kyle Stroup, right-hander Tyler Wilson (3-3) fired 6.0 scoreless frames, scattering three hits and a two walks, while striking out two. Wilson did not allow Charleston to record their first base hit until there was one out in the bottom of the third, meanwhile his offense had spotted him a 4-0 advantage.

Eight Greenville hitters stepped into the batter's box in the top of the third, scoring all four runs with two outs in the inning off of Shane Greene (4-13). There were no runners aboard, following James Kang's ground out and Felix Sanchez was caught stealing after a single, before the Drive loaded the bases with a pair of walks to Matty Johnson and Xander Bogaerts, as well as a single by Drew Hedman.

Henry Ramos then worked a free pass with the bases loaded, breaking the game's scoreless tie. Michael Almanzar then crushed a bases clearing double, giving the Drive a sizable lead. Greenville plated their final run in the top of the seventh when Bogaerts laced an RBI-double, scoring Sanchez.

After Wilson's outing, the Drive relied on Justin Erasmus and Dennis Neuman out of the bullpen. The Australian-born Erasmus twirled a perfect seventh inning before surrendering the RiverDogs first run of the game an inning later on Shane Brown's two-out single.

Charleston garnered their second and final run in their final at bat off of Neuman, as Mike Ferraro drove a first pitch offering to right-field for a solo homer.

The Drive return now return home to Fluor Field for a five-game series with the GreenJackets. First pitch for Friday is set for 7:05 PM, with right-hander Brandon Workman (4-7, 3.97 ERA) heading to the mound for Greenville. Augusta will counter with southpaw Mike Kickham (5-8, 4.18 ERA).

Following tomorrow night's game will feature the final fireworks show of the regular season, set to the hit songs of the 1990's. For more information regarding single-game tickets, luxury accommodations, group outings, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.


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