Greenville, SC – Making his first start in nearly a month, Stolmy Pimentel (3-3) did not miss a beat, holding the visiting Asheville Tourists (20-31) scoreless over 6.0 innings as the Drive (27-23) won the season opener 6-1.
The right-hander scattered six hits and a walk, while fanning five, but also received a strong defensive effort behind him. On the very first play of the game, Scott Robinson doubled to right-center, only to be thrown out trying to extend the hit into a triple.
Two innings later with runners on the corner, Beau Seabury laced a line drive that was stabbed by Pimentel, who was able to throw over to first for a double play.
The Drive broke the scoreless tie in a big way in the bottom of the third, plating five runs and sending 10 batters to the plate. David Mailman got the scoring started, belting his first home run of the season and extending his hit streak to eight games with one swing against Robinson Fabian (1-5).
After Tim Federowicz followed with a double, Anthony Rizzo scored the catcher with an RBI-single. Michael Almanzar added a two-out, RBI-single before Ryan Dent reached on an error, allowing Ryan Lavarnway to score.
Federowicz accounted for Greenville’s final run in the bottom of the seventh, hitting his team-leading seventh homer of the season coming off of reliever Isaiah Froneberger.
Asheville’s only run came in the top of the ninth, as David Christensen hit a solo homer off Caleb Clay. Despite the blemish, Clay – who was activated prior to the game – earned his third save of the season by pitching the final 3.0 innings.
Lavarnway finished 2-for-4, extending his career-high hitting streak to 12 games, one away from Anthony Rizzo’s team-high 13-game hit streak.
The Drive and Tourists continue their three-game series on Wednesday with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Brock Huntzinger will toe the rubber for Greenville as Asheville counters with the right-hander Frazier Parker.
For more information on single-game tickets, ticket plans, group outings, luxury accommodations, visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.
GAME NOTES:
Attendance was 4,086…8 of the Drive’s 9 batters recorded a hit…Tim Federowicz recorded his 6th multi-hit effort in his last nine games…the Drive trail the first place Rome Braves and Charleston RiverDogs by 1.5 games…to make room for Caleb Clay, right-handed pitcher Yeiper Castillo was transferred to short-season, Single-A Lowell
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