SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Double-Up Baby Braves, 6-3

Published on May 5, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Having won just three of their last ten games, a visit from the Rome Braves (6-22) - owners of the South Atlantic League's worst record - proved to be just what the doctor ordered for the Drive (11-17). Backed by timely hits and a strong starting pitching effort from Yeiper Castillo, Greenville captured a 6-3 victory Saturday night.

The Drive wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard, as Bryan Johns was hit by a pitch to open the bottom of the first and advanced to third when Keury De la Cruz followed with a double. Garin Cecchini bounced into a groundout, but it was deep enough to get a run in.

An inning later, Greenville made Rome pay for a defensive miscue which allowed Lucas LeBlanc to reach base. With two outs in the inning, Nick Natoli delivered an RBI-single, giving the Drive a two-run advantage.

After surrendering a leadoff single in the top of the first to Tony Mueller, Castillo (3-0) was on cruise control as he retired the next 11 batters. That streak was snapped, however, when Will Skinner launched a two-out offering well over the Green Monster for the Braves first run.

Not to be outdone, David Renfroe showed his muscle on a first pitch offering from AJ Holland (1-5) in the bottom of the fifth with a three-run homer of his own. Prior to the blast, De la Cruz collected his second hit of the game and Cecchini drew a walk.

Greenville tacked on their sixth and final run an inning later as Cody Koback singled to start the bottom of the sixth, and came all the way around to score when Jordan Weems laced a double into the leftfield corner.

Making his 2012 debut after joining the Drive earlier in the day, Mike McCarthy got off to a rough start as he gave up a double to Nick DeSantiago followed by a two-run homer by Elmer Reyes. Backed by a pair of double plays - one in the seventh and eighth innings - the right-hander was able avoid anymore damage.

Tyler Lockwood closed out the game, working around a pair of walks to keep Rome scoreless in the top of the ninth, picking up his first save of the season.

The Drive and Braves continue their four-game series from Fluor Field on Sunday, with first pitch set for 4:05 PM. Left-hander Henry Owens (1-1, 7.85 ERA) will head to the mound for Greenville, while Rome counters with right-hander Ernesto Silva (0-2, 7.45 ERA).

In addition to it being Family FunDay at Fluor Field - where kids 12 and under eat free, courtesy of BI-LO, and get to run the bases post-game, courtesy of BlueCross/BlueShield of South Carolina - the Drive will also celebrate Fluor Corporation's Centennial Anniversary! For more information, or to purchase single-game tickets, group outings or luxury accommodations, please call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 5, 2012


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