SAL1 Greenville Drive

Greenville Conquers Rome, 11-5, for Third Straight Win

Published on May 7, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - For the first time in over a week, a span of 63 innings, the Rome Braves (6-24) had a lead in a game. The Drive (13-17) made sure it was short-lived, however, as they captured their third straight victory in the series on Monday, 11-5.

Kyle Kubitza lifted an 0-1 offering from Madison Younginer to deep left field in the top of the first, as the Braves had their first lead since their last victory, a 6-5 walk-off in the 12th inning on April 28th. But Greenville quickly answered, scoring twice in their first at bat as Boss Moanaroa knocked in a pair with one-out single.

It didn't take Rome long to regain their lead, taking advantage of a Drive defensive miscue and three hits for three runs - one earned - in the top of the second. But once again, Greenville fought back in the home half of the frame, this time taking a lead that they would not relinquish.

10 batters stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the second, with the Drive tallying seven hits and five runs. With the bases loaded and one out, Garin Cecchini delivered a two-run double, following by David Renfroe's two-run single. Cody Koback capped the offensive surge with a two-out, RBI-single.

After being held scoreless in the bottom of the third, the Drive tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Koback belted his second homer of the season, a two-run shot off of Rafael Briceno (2-3).

The Drive added single runs single runs in the sixth and eighth innigs to closeout the game.

Lasting 5.0 innings, Younginer (1-3) earned his first victory of the season, surrendering five runs - two earned - on seven hits and three walks, while striking out four. Scott Swinson pitched three scoreless frames out of the bullpen, before Nefi Ogando allowed a run in the top of the ninth.

For the second straight game, eight of the Drive's nine batters recorded a hit in the victory, led by Keury De la Cruz's four-hit performance which extended his hit streak to 10 games.

The Drive and Braves conclude their four-game series on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 2:05 PM at Fluor Field. Southpaw Mickey Pena (1-2, 2.13 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Rome counters with right-hander David Filak (1-1, 1.88 ERA).

Tomorrow is the second annual "Drive Business Downtown" event at the ballpark. The unique event, presented by Elliott Davis LLC, will combine business and baseball, and will spotlight the important role that downtown businesses play in the economic development and prosperity of the Upstate. 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 7, 2012


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