SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive, Braves Split Monday's Twinbill at Fluor Field

August 15, 2011 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The Drive (65-54, 27-22) scored the exact same number of runs in both games of Monday's doubleheader versus Rome (47-72, 22-27) - three. It was enough to win game one, 3-2, but fell short of the visiting Braves, 6-3, in the nightcap.

In game one, the Drive needed just one big hit in their first at bat from Christian Vazquez to hang on for the victory in their 48th one-run game of the season. Following back-to-back, one-out singles by Sean Coyle and Brandon Jacobs, Vazquez launched a first pitch offering from Ronan Pacheco (4-7) over the Green Monster.

Despite being held scoreless over their final five at bats, the three-spot proved to be enough as Kyle Stroup (5-5) twirled the 4th complete game in franchise history. The right-hander faced the minimum over the first three innings before giving up a pair of runs in the top of the fourth.

Stroup settled down, however, allowing only three more baserunners over the final three innings to finish off the Braves. The 21-year-old scattered seven hits and a walk over 7.0 innings, while striking out five. Since coming off the disabled list on July 17th, Stroup is 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA (6 ER/30.2 IP), 26 strikeouts, and 4 walks in 6 starts.

The Braves atoned for the loss, however, scoring in four of their seven at bats to split the doubleheader and improve to 4-2 at Fluor Field in 2011. Rome and Greenville traded runs in the first inning, coming on Evan Gattis' solo homer for the Braves and a balk for the Drive.

But in the top of the fourth, Rome began to pull away, scoring a pair of runs off Tyler Wilson (2-3). Having been transferred from the Lowell Spinners to make the spot start, Wilson's day got off to an auspicious start when one of his flights was cancelled and his luggage was lost by the airline.

Edward Salcedo broke the 1-1 tie in the fourth on a two-run homer, and an inning later Gattis crushed his second homer of the game, a solo shot off of reliever Charle Rosario. The Braves capped their scoring in the top of the sixth on Tony Mueller's RBI-single.

After Danilo Alvarez (5-4) tossed 5.0 strong innings for Rome, the Drive began to chip away against the bullpen with a pair of unearned runs off Cody Martin in the bottom of the sixth. A fielding error by Matt Lipka extended the inning, allowing Michael Almanzar to collect an sacrifice fly and David Renfroe to added an RBI-double.

But in the bottom of the sixth, the Drive squandered a perfect chance to tie the game as Felix Sanchez and Matty Johnson connected for back-to-back infield singles. However, with the tying run at the plate, Sanchez was denied his 50th stolen base of the season as Johnson was thrown out at second, taking the life out of a potential rally.

The Drive and Braves will continue their series on Tuesday at Fluor Field, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Brandon Workman (3-7, 4.20 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Rome counters with lefty Sean Gilmartin (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

The Drive will celebrate the City of Greenville's 180th birthday during tomorrow's game with "Green Day," as the first 2,000 fans will receive a Green Day t-shirt and there will be post-game fireworks. Additionally, an individual who has helped shape Greenville into the city it has become will be recognized. This year's honoree is former SC Governor and US Secretary of Education, Dick Riley. For more information regarding single-game tickets, luxury accommodations, group outings, and ticket plan packages call (864) 240-4500 or visit www.GreenvilleDrive.com.

GAME NOTES: Attendance was 4,567

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from August 15, 2011


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