SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Win 12-6 On Opening Day

Published on April 7, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Since its doors opened in 2006, the confines of Fluor Field have proven extremely friendly to the Drive on Opening Day. Following an offensive explosion of 12 hits - including three homers - Greenville handed the visiting Augusta GreenJackets a 12-6 defeat to start the 2011 season, and improve to 5-1 in home openers.

After being retired rather easily in their first at bat, the Drive got under Justin Schumer's (0-1) skin in their next trip to the plate. Brandon Jacobs broke a scoreless tie sending a 1-1 offering to right-centerfield. Jose Garcia followed by lifting a ball to left, clearing the 30-foot high Green Monster.

Despite allowing a run in the top of the third, Manny Rivera (1-0) turned in a strong performance to become the first starter in franchise history to earn the victory on Opening Day. The left-hander needed just 67 pitches to work through 5.0 innings, surrendering four hits, walking one, and fanning a pair.

The Drive's offensive barrage continued in the bottom of the fourth, sending all nine batters to the plate en route to tallying six runs. Christian Vazquez began the onslaught by legging out his first professional triple, coming in his 272nd career at-bat, and then scored as Jacobs collected an RBI-single. Sean Coyle added an RBI-double, before Bryce Brentz highlighted the inning with a towering grand slam to straight-away centerfield.

While the GreenJackets were able to score in the sixth, eighth, and ninth innings, their deficit was too large to overtake Greenville. The Drive scored single runs in each of their final three at bats for a double-digit total.

The one negative for the Drive was their lack of defense, committing three errors in the sixth and two more in the eighth.

Jacobs and Brentz paced the Drive offense with three hits and four runs batted in apiece.

The Drive and GreenJackets continue their four-game series on Friday at Fluor Field, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Kyle Stroup, who missed the entire 2010 season with a torn ACL, will toe the rubber for Greenville while Augusta counters with southpaw Mario Rodriguez.

Following the game, fans will be treated to the first fireworks show of the season, set to the today's hottest country songs. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, luxury accommodations, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 7, 2011


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