Drive on Wrong End of Back and Forth Battle

If Friday night's contest had been played at the playground, rather than at Fluor Field, the Drive (0-17) and Lexington Legends (13-15) would have spent their entire time on the see-saw. In a game that had five lead changes and four ties, the visitors came away with a 6-5 victory in the series finale in front of 5,133 fans.

The eventual game-winning run came in the top of the eighth, as Delino DeShields, Jr. lifted a 2-2 offering from Neifi Ogando (0-2) over the Green Monster for a solo homer. After having bounced back from being knocked down several times before, the Drive were unable to do so again in either of their final two at bats.

Lexington jumped out to a 1-0 in the top of the second as Greenville starter Jason Garcia hit Mike Kvasnicka with a pitch, followed by a double off the bat of Alex Todd. Former Clemson standout John Hinson's RBI-groundout accounted for the game's first run.

In what became the theme of Friday's game, the Drive answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the third. Jose Vinicio drew a two out walk, and then came all the way around to score as he stole second, which was aided by a pair of errors. Kvasnicka's throw down to second base sailed way over the head of his intended target, and then in a momentary defensive last, centerfield Drew Muren failed to field the overthrow as he backed up the play.

From the fourth through the sixth innings, the Drive and Legends traded the exact same amount of runs each inning. Hinson doubled home his second run and later scored in the top of the fourth, only to have Henry Ramos collect an RBI-double of his own, and Blake Swihart add a sacrifice fly to tie the game.

The Legends regained the lead in the top of the fifth, when reliever Hunter Cervenka issued back-to-back walks, one of which with the bases loaded. Bryan Johns doubled in the home half of the fifth, and later scored on a wild pitch.

After Mike Duffy's sac fly regained a one-run lead for Lexington in the top of the sixth, the Drive would tie the game for the final time in the bottom of the frame. David Renfroe drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored on Ramos' one-out single.

Making his second start of the season, after his first four appearances were all out of the bullpen, Jason Garcia allowed four runs - three earned - on seven hits and two walks in 4.1 innings. The right-hander struckout three.

Looking to rebound, the Drive welcome the Rome Braves to Fluor Field for the first time on Saturday, kicking off a four-game set. Right-hander Yeiper Castillo (2-0, 2.25 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, while Rome counters with right-hander A.J. Holand (1-4, 5.20 ERA).

During tomorrow night's game, Myron Noodleman - The Hippest Nerd in Da Biz - will be entertaining fans. For more information, or to purchase single-game tickets, group outings or luxury accommodations, please call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.

GAME NOTES: Garin Cecchini extended his team-high hit streak to 10 games, going 2-for-4 Friday night