SAL Greenville Drive

Eighth Inning Homer Gives Winston-Salem 6-4 Win

Published on June 8, 2021 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Greenville Drive News Release


Winston-Salem, N.C. - With the game tied, 4-4, in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Dash's Johan Cruz belted a two-run homer to propel Winston-Salem to a 6-4 win over the Drive Tuesday night at Truist Field.

The Dash's pitchers held Greenville (15-16) hitters to just four hits. Cam Cannon led the way with two. Devlin Granberg hit a two-run homer while Tyler Esplin roped a two-run double.

Edgar Navarro earned the win after pitching 2.0 shutout innings in relief. Jeremiah Burke got the start for Winston-Salem and hurled 5.0 inning and surrendered four runs, three earned, on four hits, one homer and two walks. He fanned three. Luke Shilling got the save.

Chase Shugart started for Greenville and didn't factor into the decision. He tossed 5.0 innings and allowed four runs on five hits, one homer and no walks with five strikeouts.

Greenville jumped out to an early lead, 2-0, in the second inning. Brandon Howlett led off the frame with a walk. The next batter, Granberg-the reigning High-A East Player of the Week-connected on the first pitch he saw and skied it to left field for a two-run homer.

The Drive added to their lead an inning later. Elih Marrero began the frame and reached via a fielding error. After a groundout, Cannon roped single, pushing Marrero to third base. Esplin then lined a double to center field to plate both Marrero and Cannon, giving the away team a 4-0 advantage.

Winston-Salem cut into the Drives lead in the third with an RBI single by Ian Dawkins and RBI groundout by Luis Curbelo.

The Dash then tied the game an inning later via a Xavier Fernandez two-run homer.

Winston-Salem took the lead for good in the seventh on Cruz' home run.

Game two is slatted for Wednesday night at 7:00 pm in Winston-Salem. Greenville is scheduled to throw left-hander Jay Groome while Winston-Salem is set to send left-hander Taylor Varnell to the mound.

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