SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Stumble in Series Finale with Braves, Lose 4-2

Published on June 28, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Rome, GA - The road was unkind to the Drive (38-40, 4-4) in the first half of the South Atlantic League's regular season, where they finished eight games below .500. So far in the second half things haven't eased up, as Greenville endured their third loss on in four games to the Rome Braves (24-54, 6-2) on Thursday in the first trek away from Fluor Field in the second half of 2012.

Despite scoring right out of the gate in the top of the first, the Drive saw their one-run lead erased quickly in the home half of the inning, as Rome went onto a 4-2 victory in the matinee match-up at State Mutual Stadium.

Leadoff batter Bryan Johns reached safely on an error, and Keury De la Cruz followed with a single off Ryan Weber (4-3) setting up what could have been a big inning for Greenville. They mustered just one run, however, as David Renfroe knocked in his first of two runs on a one-out single.

The unearned run was the only one that the right-handed Weber would surrender over his 7.0 inning stint, stifling the Drive's offense on the scorching June afternoon. His offense, however, didn't hesitate at all to give him a lead, answering with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first off Yeiper Castillo (5-4).

Tony Mueller drew a leadoff walk and Ross Heffley singled to jumpstart the inning, and each moved up a base on Jordan Weems' sixth passed ball of the season, setting up Kyle Kubitza's sac fly. Will Beckwith broke up the tie game with a two-out RBI-single.

The Braves added to their lead an inning later as Castillo walked Cory Brownsten, who came around to score on Mueller's double into the right-field corner. Greenville failed to cut into their deficit, leaving runners in scoring position in the fourth and sixth innings.

Meanwhile, Rome added a fourth run in the bottom of the sixth as Elmer Reyes collected a sacrifice fly against reliever Nefi Ogando. It wasn't until the Braves went to the bullpen in the top of the eighth that the Drive pushed a run across, having been held scoreless over six consecutive at bats.

Garin Cecchini worked a two-out walk against Wilson Rivera and then swiped his team-leading 27th base of the season, before scoring on Renfroe's single.

The Drive's nine-game road trip continues Friday, as they now head to Charleston for a five-game set with the RiverDogs. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM from Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park as RHP Luis Diaz (1-4, 7.07 ERA) toes the rubber for Greenville. Charleston will counter with right-hander Bryan Mitchell (5-5, 4.21 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.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 28, 2012


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