SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Conquer Rome, 5-4

Published on July 7, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Blake Swihart's second career three-hit game couldn't have come at a more crucial time for the Drive. The 20-year-old backstop was a perfect 3-for-3 Saturday night, knocking in a pair of runs including the eventual game-winner as Greenville (42-45, 8-9) defeated the Rome Braves (30-58, 12-6) 5-4.

Having tripled and homered in his first two at bats, the 26th overall selection from the 2011 First-Year Player Draft stepped up to the plate with the score tied, one out and Drew Turocy standing on third base. Engaged in a battle with Braves' reliever Fabian Williamson (0-1), Swihart fouled off 10 of the 14 pitches he faced before delivering a bloop single to right-field.

Nate Striz emerged from the bullpen in the top of the ninth, shutting down Rome to preserve the victory which prevented Swihart from having a fourth at bat and the chance at the first cycle in franchise history.

Greenville fell behind in the top of the first when Noe Ramirez surrendered a two-out, RBI-single to William Beckwith. The run was setup by a walk issued to Kyle Kubitza and a balk. But the right-handed Ramirez kept the Braves off the scoreboard over the final five innings of his outing, setting a personal-best with eight strikeouts.

The Drive wasted little time in tying the game, answering in the bottom of the second when Dreily Guerrero grounded into a fielder's choice with the bases loaded. With one swing of the bat three innings later, Keury De la Cruz broke the tie with his 13th homer of the season, a two-run shot that extended his hit streak to 11-games.

Swihart gave Greenville a three-run advantage with a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth.

Ramirez would see the chance of his first professional win slip away, as reliever Justin Erasmus (1-1) allowed three runs in the top of the seventh, letting Rome tie the game.

The Drive and Braves conclude their series in Sunday's rubber match, with first pitch set for 4:05 PM from Fluor Field. Right-hander Jason Garcia (3-4, 6.24 ERA) is slated to toe the rubber for Greenville, while Rome counters with right-hander Ryan Weber (5-3, 4.70 ERA).

It's Family "FunDay" at the ballpark tomorrow, which means kids 12 and under eat free, courtesy of BI-LO, and get to run the bases following the game, courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. For more information regarding tickets, call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 7, 2012


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