SAL Greenville Drive

Drive drop Opening Day to Bowling Green, 9-2

Published on May 5, 2021 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Greenville Drive News Release


Greenville, SC - Bowling Green scored six runs and scattered nine hits over the first three innings en route to a 9-2 victory over the Greenville Drive on Opening Day, presented by TD Bank.

In the top of the first inning with the bases loaded and a full count, Evan Edwards was hit by a pitch on the elbow, plating the game's first run. Two batters later, Grant Witherspoon drew a two-out walk to give the Hot Rods a 2-0 lead.

Bowling Green added three more runs in the second when five consecutive Hot Rods reached base. Ruben Cardenas doubled in a run and Evan Edwards followed that by singling in a pair, giving them a 5-0 lead.

In the top of the third, Bowling Green's Connor Hollis, connecting on his third hit in as many at-bats, plated the sixth run of the game.

Brandon Howlett drove in the Drive's lone runs in the sixth inning via two-run home run that landed in the Green Monster seats, pulling Greenville within a 6-2 deficit.

The Hot Rods added three more runs in the top of the eighth on home runs by Witherspoon, a solo shot, and Jordan Qsar, a two-run clout.

Jay Groome, making his first start above short-season since 2017, only lasted two innings for the Drive, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks. He fanned three.

Drive relivers Rio Gomez and Dylan Spacke both pitched effectively in relief. Gomez, a lefty, hurled 3.0 innings of one run ball, fanning six. Spacke struck out five over 1.2 innings.

The Hot Rods starter, Peyton Battenfield, dazzled over four innings. The right-hander allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out six hitters.

Edwards led the way for Bowling with two hits and three RBI.

The Drive and Hot Rods will play a doubleheader Thursday at Fluor Field beginning at 5:00 PM. Gates will open at 4:30. Each game will be seven innings.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 5, 2021


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