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Greenville Drive

Drive Outlast RiverDogs 5-3 in 15 Innings

July 28, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Charleston, SC - On a night when the Charleston RiverDogs dressed up in their Rainbows throwback uniforms, it was the Greenville Drive who came away with the pot of gold, with two runs in the top of the 15th propelling them to a 5-3 victory.

The 15-inning game was the Drive's (14-17, 52-49) longest of the 2015 season, and the win gave them a victory in the 2015 Battle of the Palmetto State, meaning the Spinx Rivalry Series trophy will reside in the Upstate for at least the next calendar year.

The rally started with two outs in the 15th as Deiner Lopez lined a two-out single to right off Andre Del Bosque (6-5). After Lopez swiped second base, Danny Mars came through with the go-ahead single and advanced to second on the throw home. Mars promptly stole third and came in on a Charleston passed ball for an insurance run.

Ryan Harris (1-3) got the win after pitching two innings of relief for the Drive. Capping off the wild game was J.T. Watkins, who started the game behind the plate for Greenville, taking over on the mound in the 15th and throwing a 1-2-3 inning to pick up the save.

Terrific pitching was the story early on. Drive starter Jeffry Fernandez was the recipient of a no-decision despite putting together a gem of an outing. The righty delivered seven scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and one walk while matching his season-high with six strikeouts.

On the other side, RiverDogs hurler Jordan Foley was almost as good, as he gave up just one run over six innings of work and punched out four.

Greenville struck first thanks to Michael Chavis, who smacked a solo homer to center in the top of the third off Foley. The home run was Chavis's ninth of the year.

That lead was extended to 2-0 in the eighth against Matt Marsh when Rafael Devers drew a one-out walk and came all the way home when Nick Longhi doubled to center.

Unfortunately for the Drive, the lead was short lived, as the RiverDogs quickly struck back in the bottom half after Mario Alcantara took over on the mound. Following a pair of walks to begin the inning, Bo Thompson came through with a three-run shot to left-center to put Charleston ahead.

The Drive rebounded in the top of the ninth to tie the game and force extra innings. Bryan Hudson and Lopez singled with one out to force Marsh from the game, and Mars rudely greeted new Charleston pitcher Angel Rincon with another single to score Hudson.

Longhi went 5-7 on the night to lead the Greenville offense, while Mars chipped in with four hits. Joining the multi-hit parade were Chavis, Hudson and Lopez, who each collected a pair of hits. Isaias Tejeda had three hits to lead Charleston, while Thompson and Vicente Conde picked up two hits apiece.

The teams will turn around quickly on Tuesday afternoon, as first pitch in Charleston is set for 12:05 PM. The Drive will send RH Reed Reilly (4-4, 4.26) to the mound looking for a series victory, while the RiverDogs will counter with RH Joey Maher (1-4, 2.54).

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 28, 2015


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