SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Conquered by Rome in Series Opener, 3-2

Published on August 13, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - The all too familiar one-run game made its return to Fluor Field on Monday night, but it wasn't kind to the home team. The Greenville Drive (56-62, 22-26) fell behind early, but their comeback attempt came up just short, as they dropped a 3-2 contest to the Rome Braves (48-71, 30-19.

Rome was fueled by a terrific outing from starter Greg Ross, who upped his record to 5-8. He allowed a pair of runs in seven and a third innings of work and struck out eight Drive hitters. Nate Hyatt came on in the ninth, recording the final two outs to pick up his first save. Mickey Pena (6-6) took the loss for the Drive, giving up three runs in five innings.

The Braves hopped on the scoreboard early, as Ross Heffley deposited a homer over the Green Monster against Pena in the top of the first to take a 1-0 lead. They added two more runs in the third to stretch the lead to three. Heffley walked with one out, and after a two-out single by Robby Hefflinger, Kyle Kubitza laced a triple into the right field corner to score both runners.

The pitching for both teams held up throughout the middle innings. Ross was unscratched upon until the eighth, while Matty Ott, Dylan Chavez and Nate Striz held the Braves scoreless in four innings of relief.

The Drive made things interesting in the bottom of the eighth. Jordan Weems led off the frame with a bunt single to third base. He stole second with one out, and came in to score when Jose Garcia snuck a single inside the first-base line to break up the shutout. After Ian Thomas came in to pitch, Garcia swiped second base and came all the way around to score when Rome catcher Cory Brownsten's throw bounced into left, making the score 3-2.

After Thomas struck out pinch-hitter David Renfroe to lead off the ninth, Hyatt came in and struck out Drew Turocy and coaxed a groundout from Henry Ramos to end the game.

Kubitza was the only player on either side with a multi-hit game. He collected two hits and drove in a pair as well. Heffley scored two runs from Rome.

These two teams will meet again on Tuesday night at Fluor Field. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM. LHP Henry Owens (11-4, 5.04) will draw the start for Greenville, while Rome's scheduled starter is LHP Alex Wood (2-2, 1.59).

Tomorrow is "Green Day" at the ballpark, celebrating the City of Greenville's 181st birthday. In addition to a green t-shirt giveaway for the first 2,000 fans, green beer and post-game fireworks, the Drive will recognize someone that made an impact in helping shape Greenville into the city it has become. The 2012 Green Day honoree is Dr. Virginia Uldrick, the founder of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. Tickets for Tuesday's game are still available and can be purchased by calling (864) 240-4528, logging onto GreenvilleDrive.com, or visiting the Fluor Field Box Office.

GAME NOTES: Tonight's crowd of 7,105 was the 3rd largest at Fluor Field and 2nd largest for a Drive game - 7,129 (May 31st, 2009: John Smoltz rehab); 7,125 (March 8, 2011: Clemson vs. South Carolina)

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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



South Atlantic League Stories from August 13, 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