SAL1 Greenville Drive

McCarthy Hurls Drive to 5-0 Win Over Tourists

Published on July 23, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greenville Drive News Release


Asheville, NC - Mike McCarthy's second professional start was a complete turnaround from his first effort less than 10 days ago. Despite a taunting task of going up against the South Atlantic League's third best offensive squad, the right-hander limited the Asheville Tourists (63-38, 16-15) to just one hit over 6.0 innings, guiding the Drive (47-53, 13-17) to a 5-0 victory at McCormick Field.

McCarthy (2-4) faced the minimum number of batters through the first five innings, allowing just a walk to the Tourists' Trevor Story who was erased by catcher Jordan Weems as he tried to steal second in the bottom of the first. Asheville's only hit off Greenville's starter came in the bottom of the sixth with two outs, but was stranded at third base following a two-base error.

The Drive offense was just as stagnant, tallying only two hits in their first six at bats. With the game scoreless heading to the seventh inning, it appeared as if McCarthy's strong outing would go unrewarded. But the Greenville offense finally broke through for the game's first run.

Henry Ramos singled and went to second on Garin Cecchini's grounder. The duo then completed a double steal, with Ramos advancing to third before scoring on Cody Koback's ground out.

The Drive gave themselves some breathing room with a four-run ninth inning against Asheville reliever Jefri Hernandez. Blake Swihart led off the frame with a solo homer, before Greenville plated their next three runs all with two outs. Cecchini recorded an RBI-double, while Koback and Jordan Weems each added run-scoring singles.

Nefi Ogando and Nate Striz preserved the Drive's shutout, combining on the final three innings. Ogando got around a hit and a pair of walks in 1.2 innings of work, while Striz earned his fourth save by recording the final four outs.

The Drive and Tourists continue their four-game series on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Noe Ramirez (0-2, 2.93 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Asheville counters with right-hander Chris Jensen (10-3, 4.59 ERA).

The Drive return home to Fluor Field on Monday, July 30th for an eight-game home stand against the Charleston RiverDogs and Hickory Crawdads. For more information regarding tickets, call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 23, 2012


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