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Greenville Drive

Paul Smyth Provides Key Hit In 5-3 Victory

August 23, 2007 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - During their recent skid the Greenville Drive (26-34, 55-74) have lacked the key hit, leaving plenty of baserunners stranded which could have meant the difference between a win and a loss. That all changed Thursday night versus the Augusta GreenJackets (34-26, 84-46) at West End Field with one swing of the bat.

The win not only brought an end to the Drive's seven-game losing streak, but avoided being swept by the GreenJackets for the third time this season.

Trailing 2-0 after six innings the Drive sent all nine batters to the dish in the bottom of the seventh, pouncing on Adam Ortiz (0-1) for four runs. Argenis Diaz and Matt Sheely led off the frame with consecutive singles, and with one out Paul Smyth crushed a three-run shot atop the New York Life Building.

Greenville added another run in the inning when Aaron Reza scored on an error.

Smyth's blast gave starting pitcher Joseph Guerra (2-0) the win rather than the loss, as the right-hander tossed a gem. Guerra did not allow a run until the top of the sixth, retiring 11 straight batters at one point.

Juan Jean snapped that streak in the sixth with a leadoff single. The GreenJackets did their damage with two outs in the inning as they tallied three consecutive singles with Ryan Rohlinger and Brett Pill each knocking in a run.

It was the only blemish on Guerra's line as he finished the game scattering six Augusta hits over seven innings. The Panama native neither walked nor struckout a batter in the outing.

Augusta starter Clayton Tanner pitched effectively but earned a no-decision. Despite allowing four hits and issuing five walks, the southpaw did not allow a run in 5.1 innings.

Josh Reddick provided an insurance run in the bottom of the eight, hitting a solo homer off the videoboard in left-center field. It was Reddick's 17th long ball of the season, and first since August 9th.

Things got a little dicey for the Drive in the bottom of the ninth as reliever Richie Lentz allowed a run and allowed the GreenJackets to load the bases before exiting the game. Closer Joshua Papelbon then came in and induced Brad Boyer into a game-ending groundout to get out of the jam. It was the submarine-style pitcher's 16th save of the year.

The Drive now hit the road for a three-game series in Kannapolis, followed by a two-game stint in Augusta. First pitch for Friday's game at FieldCrest Cannon Stadium is set for 7:05 PM. Right-handers Brian Steinocher of Greenville and Jose Zazueta of Kannapolis will duel it out in the series opener.

The Drive return home on Thursday, August 30th to closeout the 2007 season at West End Field with the Augusta GreenJackets and Asheville Tourists. Tickets to all Drive home games can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4500 or by visiting www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 23, 2007


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