Drive Outduel Ovalles, Cyclones, 3-0

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GREENVILLE, S.C. (September 1, 2023) — RHP Layonel Ovalles impressed in his Brooklyn debut, allowing just one run, and striking out six over 5.2 innings. However, CF Roman Anthony’s three RBI accounted for the game’s only runs, as the Greenville Drive outdueled the Cyclones, 3-0, on Friday night from Fluor Field at the West End.

Ovalles (0-1) scattered seven hits and walked only two in his maiden voyage with the ‘Clones. The 20-year-old threw 89 pitches and 57 strikes but was saddled with the defeat.

With Brooklyn’s (33-25, 61-62) loss and Jersey Shore’s (33-24, 68-54) loss at home over Aberdeen, the Cyclones remain tied with the BlueClaws with eight left to play in the regular season.

In the bottom of the second, Greenville (26-32, 62-62) tallied the first run of the contest. SS Eddinson Paulino started the inning with a single and swiped second with one out.

After a walk and a fly ball to center that scooted the 21-year-old to third, Anthony delivered a run-scoring single to right to give the Drive a 1-0 lead.

In the eighth, Greenville tacked up two key insurance runs. With one out and one on, 2B Kristian Campbell scorched a knock and DH Eduardo López walked to load the bases.

After a strikeout, Anthony came through once more. The 19-year-old pounded a 2-2 pitch off the Green Monster in left for a two-run double, stretching the Drive’s advantage to 3-0.

The Cyclones' best opportunity to score came in the third inning. LF Omar De Los Santos reached with a leadoff infield single and advanced to second on a balk before SS Jett Williams coaxed a walk. However, a double play and a ground out to first forced Brooklyn to strand what was the tying run at third.

RHP Zack Kelly tossed a hitless and scoreless inning in a Major League rehab start for Greenville before giving way to RHP Yordanny Monegro (1-0). The 20-year-old composed five innings of scoreless relief, adding eight punch outs, for the victory in his High-A and Drive debut.

RHP Felix Cepeda entered out of the bullpen in the ninth and tallied the final three outs, earning his fourth save in as many chances.

Brooklyn will look to bounce back on Saturday night. RHP Robert Colina (3-5, 4.25 ERA) is scheduled to take the hill for the Cyclones. The Drive is projected to counter with RHP Luis Perales (0-1, 4.21), the Red Sox’s No. 7 prospect per Baseball America. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.