Three-Run Seventh Propels Drive to Victory

The Drive received an all-around, balanced effort from their offense and pitching staff Thursday night, picking up a much needed victory by defeating the Lexington Legends 5-2 at Fluor Field. With the game knotted 2-2, Greenville sent seven batters to the plate in the bottom of the seventh, striking for three runs.

Making his first appearance with the Legends, Euris Quezada was greeted rudely as Bryan Johns drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a balk. Two batters later, Garin Cecchini extended his hit streak with an RBI-double, breaking the tie game. David Renfroe followed suit with a run-scoring single, and the Cody Koback's fielder's choice capped the frame by putting the Drive up by three runs.

Both the Drive and Legends traded runs early, as the visitors plated the first run by only tallying one hit in the top of the first. Continuing their sluggish defense from last night, Greenville committed a pair of errors that accounted for the unearned run.

But in the bottom of the second, Henry Ramos belted his first home run of the season to tie the game. Lexington regained their one-run lead in the top of the fourth when Matt Duffy and Mike Kvasnicka hit back-to-back, one-out doubles.

Greenville showed their poise once again, in the bottom of the fifth, as Ramos and Lucas LeBlanc laced back-to-back singles to open up the frame. Johns' double tied the game, but the Drive couldn't add another, stranding a runner on third.

Despite earning a no-decision, southpaw Mickey Pena spun 6.0 strong innings in his longest outing of the season, scattering six hits while walking none and fanning five. Matty Ott (3-1) was perfect over three innings out of the bullpen. Justin Erasmus allowed a run in the top of the ninth, but picked up his third save.

The rubber match between the Drive and Legends is set for Friday evening from Fluor Field, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM. Right-hander Jason Garcia (0-1, 4.15 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Lexington counters with right-hander Jonas Dufek.

Following Friday night's game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks show. For more information, or to purchase single-game tickets, group outings or luxury accommodations, please call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.