Drive Falter Late to Tourists, Lose 11-6
Leading by a single run heading to the eighth inning, the Tourists pounced on reliever Mike McCarthy for four runs during his two innings stint to seal the victory.
Starting pitcher Madison Younginer (1-4) labored through the first and second innings, surrendering a pair of runs in each frame. The first three batters the right-hander faced to begin the game collected an extra-base hit. Delta Cleary, Jr. laced a leadoff triple and scored as Trevor Story followed with a triple of his own. The Tourists jumped out to a 2-0 lead before an out was even recorded on Sam Mende's double.
The second inning was similar to the previous one, with each of the first two batters safely reaching base. It appeared as if Younginer would get out of the frame unscathed, until Cleary belted a two-out, two-run homer.
Despite falling behind early, the Drive fought their way back, pulling within a run heading into the fifth inning. David Renfroe led off the bottom of the second with a double, and came around to score on back-to-back groundouts by Boss Moanaroa and Henry Ramos.
Three innings later, Greenville took advantage of two hits, coupled with a pair of errors as Ramos and Jordan Weems each tallied RBI-singles to make it 4-3.
After Younginer held Asheville scoreless over his final four innings, the Drive turned to reliever Matty Ott in the top of the seventh. The Tourists scored three times, appearing to pull away for a 7-3 lead, with an RBI-double by Ryan Casteel and a run-scoring single off the bat of Cleary.
But once again the Drive persevered, answering for three runs and cutting their deficit to a single run. Garin Cecchini doubled in the first run, and an error on Renfroe's batted ball allowed two more runs to score.
But that would be the closest the Drive would get, as the Tourists tacked on three more runs in their final two outs.
The Drive and Tourists continue their three-game series on Tuesday, with first pitch set for 7:05 PM from Fluor Field. Left-hander Mickey Pena (2-2, 1.72 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville, making his first start since combining on the franchise's first no-hitter on May 8th. Asheville will counter with right-hander Ben Alsup (4-0, 3.99 ERA).
During tomorrow night's game, the Drive will honor one of the most prominent school districts in the region with a celebration of Spartanburg's District 5 Rebels at Fluor Field. Beginning with the Parade of Champions, led by the Byrnes High School State Championship football team, the game will highlight academic success, leadership and excellence across the entire school district. For more information, or to purchase single-game tickets, group outings or luxury accommodations, please call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.