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Greenville Drive

Braves Tomahawk Chop Drive, 13-6, in Series Opener

July 4, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Despite flashes of brilliance, the Drive (40-44, 6-8) weren't able to capitalize on opportunities to come out on top in series opener of their five-game set with the visiting Rome Braves (29-55, 11-3). As a result, they found themselves on the wrong end of a 13-6 score at Fluor Field.

After losing three in a row on the road against Charleston, theGreenville hoped their return to Fluor Field would help heal their road wound. After such a vicious road skid, nothing would be more therapeutic than a big win against a division opponent on the Fourth of July. A season high 6,624 fans were in attendance hoping to see the home team right the ship. The pitcher of choice for the occasion was Luis Diaz (2-5).

Diaz started the game off with two straight shutout innings; Greenville scored a run during that short stretch to take an early 1-0 lead on Dreily Guerrero's RBI-single. The Drive defense was exposed in the third inning, giving up four runs. They rebounded with a run of their own when Garin Cecchini scored on a passed ball, bringing the score to 4-2 with Rome in front through three innings.

The fourth inning brought more of the same, as Rome was able to score three more times extending their lead to 7-2. While things were looking down, Greenville's offense showed resilience by scoring two runs to make the score 7-4 heading into the game's fifth inning. Cody Koback, who accounted for three of the Drive's runs, was hit by a pitch and came around to score on Guerrero's single coupled with an error. Jose Garcia added an RBI-double.

To try and stifle Rome's production the rest of the night, the Drive staff went with lefty Kevin Brahney. The teams traded runs in the fifth inning, pushing the score to 8-5. Rome scored four runs in the sixth inning, and Greenville couldn't respond giving the Drive a seven run deficit to overcome to start the seventh.

The Drive gave up another run in the seventh and didn't give up anymore the rest of the night.

The Drive and Braves continue their series Thursday night, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Left-hander Henry Owens (8-2, 5.52 ERA) will toe the rubber looking to end Greenville's skid, while Rome counters with left-hander Alex Wood (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

Tomorrow night is also $1 Drink Night at Fluor Field, where fans of all ages can cool off with a 12 ounce Pepsi for just a dollar. While those fans at least 21-years-old can head over to the 500 Club for dollar cans of PBR. For more information regarding tickets, call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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