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SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Claw Their Way Back

July 14, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - All the Drive (44-48, 10-12) needed to get back on the right track was to begin a series with the Charleston RiverDogs (52-38, 13-10). Entering Saturday night's series opener, Greenville owned a 9-7 record against their cross-state rival, which improved in the win column following the Drive's 9-6 win at Riley Park.

Despite jumping out to an early 3-0 lead, the Drive were forced to make a late comeback when they surrendered six runs in the bottom of the fourth. Greenville sent seven batters to the plate in the top of the second. Following singles by Henry Ramos and Blake Swihart, Jordan Weems broke the scoreless tie with a two-run double and later scored on an error.

Drive starting pitcher Jason Garcia cruised through the first three innings, limiting the RiverDogs to only one hit before running into trouble in the fourth. The right-hander did not get out of the inning, being charged with six runs while recording only two outs before he was lifted for Kevin Brahney (1-0).

A trio of Drive relievers held Charleston scoreless over the final 5.1 innings, as the offense mounted their comeback. When the RiverDogs went to the bullpen in the top of the sixth, Greenville responded by tying the game. David Renfroe was hit by a pitch to begin the inning and Ramos followed with a two-run homer. Swihart, who finished the game with three hits, hit a one-out single, stole second, and scored on Jose Vinicio's two-out single.

It didn't take long for Greenville to regain the lead, scoring three more runs in the top of the seventh against Charleston, this time against another reliever. This time it was Renfroe who belted a two-run homer, after Garin Cecchini singled, to put the Drive back on top. Ramos later walked and scored as Drew Turocy and Swihart hit back-to-back singles.

Tyler Lockwood and Nate Striz combined to hold the RiverDogs scoreless over the final three innings, securing the Drive's victory. Striz was perfect in the ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.

The Drive and RiverDogs continue their four-game series on Sunday, with first pitch set for 5:05 PM. Right-hander Michael McCarthy (1-3, 4.19 ERA) will head to the mound for Greenville, while Charleston counters with right-hander Bryan Mitchell (6-7, 4.80 ERA).

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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