SAL1 Greenville Drive

Braves Complete Sweep of Drive with 11-4

Published on May 3, 2013 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


After a great start on Friday night, the Greenville Drive (10-18) couldn't keep the good times rolling, as the Rome Braves (17-10) used a late outburst against the Drive bullpen to an 11-4 win. The victory clinched a sweep of the Drive in the three-game series.

The Drive led 4-0 going into the bottom of the sixth, but Rome tied the game against Drive reliever Austin Maddox (0-4). Levi Hyams was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring home the first run, and two batters later, Joey Meneses doubled to center to clear the bases and tie the game.

The Braves took the lead in the seventh against Maddox, as Jose Peraza dropped down a bunt single to begin the frame. After a sacrifice bunt, Josh Elander smacked a two-run homer to left to unbreak the tie and give them a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Rome pulled away even farther in the eighth inning with Madison Younginer on the mound. The highlights of the inning were a two-run double by Peraza and a two-run single for Elander.

The late rally made a winner out of Braves reliever Brandon Rohde (1-0), who allowed one run in two and a third innings of work.

Greenville took a 2-0 lead in the second against Rome starter Mauricio Cabrera. Jordan Weems drew a one-out bases loaded walk for the first run, and the second runner came home when Jose Colorado grounded into a double play.

The Drive added a run in the third when Nick Moore singled to center to bring home Drew Turocy, who walked with one out. In the fifth, David Chester pounded a solo homer to left against Rohde to extend the Drive's lead to 4-0.

The late rally for Rome spoiled a terrific outing by Drive starter Brian Johnson, who fired five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and one walk with six punchouts.

Elander had a pair of hits and four RBIs for Rome. Peraza and Tyler Tewell added two hits apiece, while Meneses drove in three. Kevin Mager picked up two hits for the Drive.

After an off day on Saturday, the Drive travel to West Virginia to take on the Power in a four-game set beginning on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05. RHP Francellis Montas (1-3, 6.00) takes the mound for the Drive, while RHP John Kuchno (0-1, 5.14) will start for the Power.




South Atlantic League Stories from May 3, 2013


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