NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Greenville Drive

Designated Hitter Ties Franchise Single-Season Home Run Record

August 9, 2007 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - With one swing of the bat, designated hitter Jon Still tied the single-season franchise record for home runs and propelled the Greenville Drive to an 8-6 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds at West End Field.

With the Drive clinging to a 6-5 lead and a runner aboard in the bottom of the seventh, Still blasted a 3-1 offering from Chad Thall (3-4) for his 21st homer of the year. The home run tied Andrew Pinckney's 2005 total, a member of the Greenville Bombers.

The Drive cruised to a 5-1 lead through the first four innings as the Drive offense provided timely hits and starter Ryan Phillips held Delmarva in check. Lars Anderson singled home a run in the first, but the Shorebirds were able to get out with minimal damage as Jason Place grounded into an inning-ending double play.

After the Shorebirds tied the game in the top of the second on a Bobby Andrews solo homer, Josh Reddick returned the favor with his 16th home run in the bottom of the third. The Drive began to pull away in the bottom of the fourth as Reid Engel, Jon Egan, and Kristopher Negron all tallied an RBI.

However the Shorebirds provided some dramatics, cutting into the Drive's lead with two runs in the top of the fifth. Phillips surrendered a run-scoring double to Todd Davison and a sacrifice fly to Chris Vinyard, but got out of the inning and exited with the lead in tact.

The Shorebirds would tie the game in the very next inning as reliever Chris Jones (6-7) allowed two runs with two outs. With a runner on second, Jones issued a walk to Danny Figueroa and Davison followed with a two-run triple.

But the evening belonged to Still. His homer in the seventh proved to be eventual game-winner as Joshua Papelbon surrendered a run in two innings of work to pick up his 13th save of the season.

he Drive and Shorebirds continue their four-game series Friday night with first pitch set for 7:05 PM at West End Field. Right-hander Jimmy James will toe the rubber for Greenville in search of his third consecutive win as Delmarva counters with right-hander Tim Bascom.

Friday will also mark the third game of the Drive's "Crazy 8" promotion in which St. Francis Hospital System presents the post-game fireworks display. In addition, St. Francis' mascot, Faith, as well as Reedy Rip'It will duel it out in a drum-off competition. Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

NOTES: Eight of the Drive's nine batters recorded at least one hit...RF Josh Reddick, CF Jason Place, and LF Reid Engel each had two hits...Attendance was 4568

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...

South Atlantic League Stories from August 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