Errors Prove Costly as Drive Lose to Braves, 4-2
June 25, 2012 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release
Rome, GA - A game riddled with defensive miscues sank the Drive (37-38, 3-2) as they opened their longest road trip of the season with a 4-2 loss to the Rome Braves (22-53, 3-2). Greenville committed five errors at State Mutual Stadium, in their first of nine games away from Fluor Field, with Mickey Pena (4-4) enduring the tough luck loss.
The game got off to an auspicious start as Rome pitcher Alex Wood struckout the side in the top of the first. Tony Mueller then led off the home half of the inning by reaching on throwing error by Drive second baseman Bryan Johns. The Braves produced three runs in the frame, a deficit Greenville would not be able to dig themselves out of.
Despite holding the Braves scoreless in the second and third innings, they were not easy frames for Pena as his defensive had an error in each inning. Rome extended their advantage to 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth as Brandon Drury collected a sacrifice fly.
Greenville relievers Nefi Ogando and Tyler Lockwood limited the Braves to just two more baserunners over the final three innings, but the Drive offense was not able to stage a comeback.
After being held scoreless through their first four at bats, Greenville finally broke through in the top of the fifth. Each of the first three batters reached base safely as Johns was hit by a pitch, while Jose Garcia and Keury De la Cruz each drew walks against Rome reliever Navery Moore.
The right-hander limited the damage, however, as Garin Cecchini grounded into a double play which accounted for the Drive's first run. Only one more run would score in the inning as Boss Moanaroa delivered an RBI-double, Greenville's lone hit of the frame.
The Drive had opportunities to cut into the Braves' lead, but stranded a pair of runners in the top of the sixth and left the bases loaded in the eighth.
The Drive and Braves meet in the second game of their four-game series on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Noe Ramirez (0-0, 2.57 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Greenville, who look to avoid losing their third straight game, while Rome counters with right-hander Greg Ross (1-5, 5.69 ERA).
The Drive return home to Fluor Field on the Fourth of July, beginning a four-game series with these same Rome Braves. First pitch for Independence Day is set for a special 6:05 PM start time, as fans can remain at the ballpark to watch the City of Greenville's spectacular fireworks display as part of the Red, White and Blue Festival. For more information regarding tickets, call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.
• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...
South Atlantic League Stories from June 25, 2012
- Greensboro Comes Back for 12-11 Win over Legends in 13 Innings - Lexington Legends
- Depleted Tourists Drop Series Opener to Augusta 3-2 - Asheville Tourists
- Shorebirds Drop Series Opener to Suns, 7-3 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Leonida Leads Suns over Shorebirds - Hagerstown Suns
- Errors Prove Costly as Drive Lose to Braves, 4-2 - Greenville Drive
- Payne's Triple The Difference in 3-2 Win - Augusta GreenJackets
- BlueClaws Use Three-Run 6th for 6-4 Win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- RiverDogs Follow Williams Lead in 3-2 Win - Charleston RiverDogs
- Three Run First Lifts Braves - Rome Emperors
- 'Dads Take 1st Place with 6-2 Win in Kannapolis - Hickory Crawdads
- Crawdads Snap Intimidators Streak - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Crawdads Weekly - 'Dads Start Second Half with Series Win - Hickory Crawdads
- Tourists Place Three on DL, Receive Three - Asheville Tourists
- Mason Williams Claims SAL Pow Honors - Charleston RiverDogs
- Mejia Named SAL Pitcher of the Week - Augusta GreenJackets
- Shorebirds Game Notes vs. Hagerstown June 25 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
- July 4th Features Fireworks & Guaranteed Win Night - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Greenville Drive Stories
- Drive Squander Early Lead, Fall 11-10 to Tourists
- Drive Squander Early Lead, Fall 11-10 to Tourists
- Coffey Extends Home Run Streak to Six Games, Paez Strikes Out 10 as Drive Down Tourists 8-4
- Coffey Breaks Franchise Consecutive-Game Home Run Record as Drive Stomp Tourists 13-4
- Coffey Homers for Fourth Game in a Row and Mullins Ks 10 in Drive's 8-5 Win Over Asheville