SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Win Fourth Straight, Beat Power 7-5

Published on May 18, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Backed by a pair of the Red Sox' top selections from the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, the Drive (20-20) won their fourth straight game, defeating the West Virginia Power (13-28) 7-5 at Fluor Field. Henry Owens earned his third win in as many starts, while Blake Swihart belted his second homer of the season.

After batting around in the bottom of the second on Thursday, the Drive did so early on again in Friday's contest, only an inning earlier. The Power's Zack Dodson couldn't even get out of the first inning, taking an early trip to the showers as he surrendered five runs while recording just two outs.

The first four batters all reached base safely, including an RBI-single by Garin Cecchini. Keury De la Cruz scored on a wild pitch, giving the Drive a 2-0 lead. Drew Turocy and Blake Swihart each added run-scoring singles of their own, and Jose Vinicio greeted reliever Porfirio Lopez with an RBI-double.

The Drive increased their advantage to six runs in the bottom of the third on Swihart's solo homer, his second of the season.

The 36th overall selection in last year's draft, Owens held West Virginia scoreless through the first three innings. By the time the Power scored twice in the top of the fourth, it was already too late to mount a comeback. An error by Greenville in the top of the fifth led to two unearned runs.

Although he surrendered four runs - two earned - on seven hits during his 5.0 inning outing, the 19-year-old Owens struckout five and had his lowest walk total as a professional, with just one. Scott Swinson provided two shutout innings out of the bullpen, and Nefi Ogando was saddled with an unearned run in the ninth.

The Drive will look to collect their fifth straight win on Saturday, hosting the Power for game three of the four-game series, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Madison Younginer (1-4, 5.06 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while West Virginia counters with right-hander Nick Kingham (1-2, 6.75 ERA).

Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day at Fluor Field, with Greenville's downtown parade concluding at the ballpark prior to the start of the game. 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 18, 2012


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