SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Defeat Braves Again, 12-3, Win Series

Published on July 8, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - With a great pitching performance from Jason Garcia plus an outstanding offensive output, the Greenville Drive(43-45,9-9) beat the Rome Braves(30-58, 12-6) in a convincing fashion, 12-3, Sunday afternoon at Fluor Field.

With the series tied at 2-2 the Drive were looking to finish their home stand with a win over Rome before hitting the road again. After squeaking by Rome the night before with a 5-4 victory, Greenville was optimistic about finishing the series on top. Right-hander Chris Carpenter got the start for Greenville, making a rehab assignment appearance with the Drive.

Greenville began the game looking confident, loose and determined as they were able to knock in four runs in the games initial inning, with RBI-singles by Garin Cecchini and Henry Ramos, as well as a two-run double by David Renfroe. The second inning started with right-hander Jason Garcia replacing Carpenter on the mound. Garcia helped to hold Rome to a second consecutive scoreless inning. Jose Garcia scored a run, giving Garin Cecchini his second RBI of the game. Heading into the third inning, the Drive were already sitting at a comfortable 5-0 lead.

Rome was able to get on the board, scoring their first run of the game in the third inning. Greenville was scoreless in the third and fourth innings and sat at a 5-1 advantage at the bottom of the fifth inning. The Drive offense seemed to snap back into it, and they were able to score five more runs in the bottom of the fifth, making their lead even more comfortable.

Garcia took the mound for a fifth consecutive inning, hoping to build on his already good game. Garcia gave up one run in the sixth inning and that was the end of his day. While sitting at a 10-2 lead, Greenville brought in lefty Kevin Brahney at the top of the seventh inning.

The offensive field day continued for Greenville in the seventh inning. Brahney pitched a shutout inning and the Drive were able to score two more runs at the bottom of the seventh to increase the lead to 12-2.

Rome was able to score again at the top of the eighth inning but the game was pretty much decided. The score was 12-3 Greenville when right-hander Tyler Lockwood took the mound at the top of the ninth inning. With three quick outs the game was in the books.

Following an off day on Monday for Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, the Drive hit the road for eight games, beginning in Augusta, GA. Greenville will send right-hander Luis Diaz (2-5, 7.11 ERA) in the opener, while the GreenJackets counter with right-hander Clayton Blackburn.

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Thursday, July 19th for a four-game series with the Lexington Legends. The brief home stand starts with $1 Drink Night! For more information regarding tickets, call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 8, 2012


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