Brantley shocks Greenville, knocks out Minors

Published 12:00 am Saturday, July 2, 2005

Two errors and lack of hitting by the Greenville Minor League All-Stars led to their demise in a shocking 7-4 loss to host Brantley on Thursday.

Leading 2-1 in the second inning, Brantley scored added three more runs after a hit to center field dribbled between Greenville's center fielder and rolled all the way to the fence to allow the runs to score.

Greenville then committed back to back errors in the fifth to allow two more runs to score to seal the victory for Brantley.

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"I can take the errors, but the lack of hitting was most disappointing," said Greenville coach Keith Taylor. "We honestly hit the ball hard twice all night."

Chip Taylor was 2-for-2 with a triple and two runs scored to lead Greenville. Chase Whiddon also was 2-for-2, while Toby King was 1-for-2.

Chip Taylor took the loss on the mound after pitching 4 2/3 innings. He gave up five hits and six walks, while striking out eight.

After crushing Highland Home in the opening round of the tournament, Greenville fell to rival Troy American 6-3 in the semifinals.

Troy jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and added another run in the third, before Taylor's club managed to scratch the scoreboard.

Greenville drew within two runs in the third inning when Wilson Lowe scored on a routine play. Lowe looked to reach on a bunt attempt and did, only the Troy catcher picked up Lowe's slow roller and threw the ball over the first baseman's head into right field. By the time the ball reached the right-field fence, Lowe had rounded the bases to score for Greenville.

Greenville later tied the game in the fourth inning when Chip Taylor scored on a RBI double by Ryan Taylor. Ryan Taylor advanced to third on an errand throw to end up on third base. He later tied the game by scoring on a wild pitch.

But that was all the damage Greenville could muster. Taylor's top five hitters in the lineup were a combined 1-for-5 at the plate.

Errors also were costly for Taylor's club. Greenville committed six errors in the game, while Troy had just one.

Greenville finished with just three hits on the night with Chip Taylor's single, Ryan Taylor's double and a Chase Whiddon single.

Joey Denison scored what ended up being the game-winning run in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Cade Tillery took the loss on the mound for Greenville. He pitched five innings, giving up six hits and three walks. He did strike out six.