SAL1 Greenville Drive

Drive Continue Win Streak, Repel Sand Gnats

Published on May 28, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Bringing a three-game win streak back to Fluor Field off of their most recent road trip, the Drive (26-24) handed the visiting Savannah Sand Gnats (30-20) a 6-2 loss in the first meeting of the two Southern Division foes this season.

Already leading 2-0, Henry Ramos' triple in the third inning gave the Greenville offense life as it widened the gap by going up 3-0. Right-hander Scott Swinson improved to 2-0 for the season and he was well on his way, helping the Drive hold Savannah to zero runs prior to the rain delay in between the third and fourth innings.

After five innings the Drive pitching staff went with Charle Rosario. After Rosario gave up a double to Dustin Lawley followed by a home run by Travis Taijeron the score was 3-2. The Drive tightened up and hung on to their lead, as the Sand Gnats success had them within one run of the Drive's lead.

The offensive output for Greenville didn't slow in the sixth as Jordan Weems and Jose Vinicia started off with a double, then a single plus a stolen base, respectively. Keury De la Cruz, the team leader in RBI coming into the matchup, delivered once again in the sixth inning with a run-scoring ground, pushing the Drive to a 4-2 lead.

After a bit of a suspect inning, Rosario and the rest of the Greenville defense buckled down and held Savannah to a scoreless seventh, and the Sand Gnats returned the favor. Michael McCarthy came to start the eighth inning and did his job, to say the least, affectively being stingy with the Drive's two run lead.

Weems continued his successful batting, hitting another double in the eighth inning. Keury De la Cruz continued to please the Drive faithful by hitting a two-run homer, putting the Drive up 6-2 heading into the final inning.

With a four run leading in the ninth, McCarthy tossed another shutout frame to pickup his first save of the season, giving the 4,426 Greenville fans in attendance what they wanted to see.

The Drive and Sand Gnats continue their three-game series at Fluor Field on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Madison Younginer (1-4, 4.85 ERA) will toe the slab for Greenville, while Savannah counters with right-hander Domingo Tapia (4-2, 4.29 ERA).

Before and during tomorrow night's contest, the Drive will celebrate Anderson County's world class workforce and citizens. Special Anderson County participants include the Pendleton High School Choir singing the National Anthem. Wren High's South Carolina Principal of the Year Robbie Binnicker and Anderson Chamber of Commerce President Lee Luff will each throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Check out the Greenville Drive Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 28, 2012


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