Sports stats



Greenville Drive

Drive Drop Double-Dip to Begin Road Trip

June 14, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


AUGUSTA, GA - Looking to ride the momentum of a solid victory in their final home game of the South Atlantic League's first half, the Drive (32-35) opened up their series versus the Augusta GreenJackets (31-35) with a doubleheader Thursday night at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

However, Greenville's 3-0 lead in game one completely evaporated during the GreenJackets' final at bat, and the heart-wrenching defeat snowballed during the second game as Augusta completed the two-game sweep with a 6-1 victory.

During the first seven-inning tilt, the Drive wasted little time in jumping out to an advantage, scoring a run in each of their first three at bats. Jason Repko, still with Greenville on a major league rehab assignment, tripled in the top of the first and easily trotted home on Drew Turocy's single.

An inning later Blake Swihart reached on a one-out error, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Lucas LeBlanc's sacrifice fly. In the top of the third, Repko initiated the offense once again with an infield single and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Boss Moanaroa.

Staked an early lead, Mickey Pena twirled yet another strong performance. The left-hander held Augusta scoreless through the first 3.2 innings, and exited after 5.0 shutout innings. Selected to the Southern Division All-Star team, Pena recorded five strikeouts and lowered his season ERA to 2.49 before turning the game over to Neifi Ogando (1-4).

After tossing a scoreless sixth inning, Ogando's appearance turned into a nightmare in the final inning. He surrendered a leadoff single to Garrett Buechele but bounced back by striking out Joseph Staley. Jesus Galindo's groundout finally put the GreenJackets on the scoreboard, who then loaded the bases with a walk to Kelby Tomlinson.

Shawn Payne proved to be the hero, as his double to left-centerfield cleared the bases, giving Augusta a walk-off win.

The GreenJackets picked up right where they left off in game two, sending Jason Garcia (1-4) to showers after scoring six runs in the first two innings. Greenville once again scored first, as Henry Ramos laced an RBI-single in the top of the first, but Augusta quickly answered.

Wes Hodges and Ben Thomas delivered back-to-back, RBI-singles to give the 'Jackets a lead they wouldn't relinquish. In their second at bat, Augusta send eight batters to the plate, tallying four runs on four hits.

Relievers Raynel Velette and Mike McCarthy held the GreenJackets scoreless over the game's final four innings, but the early deficit proved too much for the Drive who only had one more baserunner reach third base in the contest.

The Drive will look to rebound on Friday, as they take on the GreenJackets again at Lake Olmstead Stadium with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Noe Ramirez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound for Greenville in his second professional start, as Augusta counters with left-hander Edwin Escobar (2-4, 4.03 ERA).

Following the South Atlantic League All-Star game, the Drive begin the second half at home on Thursday, June 21st with a four-game set against the Charleston RiverDogs. Dollar Drink Night will kick-off the stint with the New York Yankees affiliate, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. For more information regarding single-game tickets, group outings, and luxury accommodations, visit GreenvilleDrive.com or call (864) 240-4500.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...

South Atlantic League Stories from June 14, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Greenville Drive Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central