Sports stats



Greenville Drive

Drive Chop Down Braves, 6-1

June 27, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Rome, GA - For the second straight outing, Jason Garcia spun a strong performance on the mound. The right-hander earned his third win of the season and put a halt to the Drive's (38-39, 4-3) three-game skid, as he allowed just one run over 6.0 innings as Greenville handed the Rome Braves (23-54, 4-3) a 6-1 loss.

Although the Drive offense lacked a power punch until later in the ballgame, the one-run advantage they spotted Garcia in the top of the third was more than enough. Blake Swihart broke the scoreless tie with a two-out, RBI-single to score Keury De la Cruz, who had led off the inning with a single of his own.

Greenville added a second run in the top of the fifth as Garin Cecchini led off with a single and advanced to second on Boss Moanaroa's walk. After the duo accomplished a double steal, Henry Ramos delivered an RBI-single. The Drive failed to tack on any more runs in the frame, however, as Moanaroa was gunned down at the plate on a grounder.

After scattering a pair of singles in the bottom of the first, Garcia held the Braves hitless over the next three innings, until they got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth. Will Skinner laced a leadoff double and scored as Brandon Drury followed with a single, but it would be the only run that Rome would muster.

Henry Ramos' solo homer in the top of the seventh added an insurance run before the Drive broke the game open with three runs in their final at bat. Eight batters stepped up to the plate as Greenville took advantage of two hits and two Rome defensive miscues. Ramos and Swihart each knocked in their second runs with a bunt single and sac fly, respectively, before Ramos stole home for the final run of the game.

Once Garcia's stellar effort came to a close, relievers Justin Erasmus and Mike McCarthy combined to hold the Braves scoreless over the final three innings. Erasmus allowed two hits in 2.0 shutout innings, and McCarthy slammed the door on Rome with a pair of strikeouts in the ninth.

The Drive and Braves conclude their four-game series on Thursday with first pitch set for 1:05 PM from State Mutual Stadium. Left-hander Henry Owens (8-2, 5.52 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville as they look to earn a series split, while Rome counters with right-hander Ryan Weber (3-3, 5.70 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on the Fourth of July, beginning a four-game series with these same Rome Braves. First pitch for Independence Day is set for a special 6:05 PM start time, as fans can remain at the ballpark to watch the City of Greenville's spectacular fireworks display as part of the Red, White and Blue Festival. For more information regarding tickets, call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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

South Atlantic League Stories from June 27, 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.

OurSports Central