SAL1 Greenville Drive

Walk-Off Homer Propels Drive Past RiverDogs, 4-3

Published on July 30, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - After eight shutout innings to start Monday night's game at Fluor Field, the Greenville Drive (52-55, 18-19) could smell victory, but they had to wait a little longer than expected for the win. Once the 11th inning rolled around, Keury De la Cruz took it upon himself to send everyone home. His walk-off homer to right field leading off the frame gave the Drive a 4-3 victory over the visiting Charleston RiverDogs (55-49, 17-21). De la Cruz's heroics came against RiverDogs reliever Joel De la Cruz (3-3), who was in his second inning of work.

Greenville took a 3-0 lead in the top of the ninth and brought in Nefi Ogando (3-4) to try to finish the game, but the RiverDogs quickly fought their way back. Cito Culver began the rally with a single to center. Ben Gamel reached on an error by Drive second baseman Jose Garcia, and Robert Refsnyder followed with a laser over the Green Monster in left to even things up at three.

The Drive scored first in the bottom half of the third. Jordan Weems led off with a solid single to left. Jose Vinicio followed with a bunt single, and RiverDogs starter Scottie Allen's throwing error on the bunt pushed Weems all the way to third. Jose Garcia then lined a single to left to bring home Weems for the game's first run. Two batters later, Garin Cecchini lifted a sacrifice fly deep to right field, plating Vinicio to make the score 2-0.

Greenville extended that lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth. Boss Moanaroa led off with a double to deep right, and after advancing to third on Cody Koback's single, he scored when Weems hit into a fielder's choice.

Drive starter Jason Garcia took a tough luck no-decision in his best start of the season. He threw six shutout innings, allowing only two hits and three walks while punching out three RiverDogs hitters. Dylan Chavez followed with two shutout frames of his own. For Charleston, Allen allowed three runs in five innings while striking out four hitters, and reliever Fred Lewis allowed just one baserunner in three shutout innings.

De la Cruz's homer was one of his two hits on the evening. Weems also collected a pair of hits for Greenville. Refsnyder led the way for Charleston, with three hits, a homer and three RBIs.

The same two teams meet again Tuesday night at Fluor Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM. The Drive will send RHP Luis Diaz (3-6, 6.00) to the mound, while the RiverDogs counter with RHP Bryan Mitchell (6-8, 5.32).

Fans can also take "Playcation" during tomorrow night's game. For only $25, a family of 4 will receive four Drive tickets, plus passes to the Greenville Zoo, Greenville Rec Waterparks or Pavilion, and Paris Mountain State Park. Plus each purchase enters fans for a chance to win a 3-day, 2-night trip to Orlando, Florida, courtesy of Southwest Airlines. For more information call (864) 240-4500, or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from July 30, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central