Cecchini's Walk-Off Hit Sends Tourists Packing
Greenville entered their final at bat trailing 4-2, but found a way to send their fans home happy. The Tourists' Nelson Gonzalez emerged from the bullpen looking to pickup his fifth save, but instead endured his first loss.
The Drive managed to load the bases without hitting the ball past the pitcher. Blake Swihart drew a leadoff walk, Jose Vinicio bunted his way on, and Jose Garcia laced an fastball off Gonzalez's leg before Keury De la Cruz's RBI-groundout pulled Greenville within one run.
After falling behind 1-2 in the count, whiffing at two curveballs, Cecchini provided the heroics on a breaking pitch that stayed up in the zone.
It was the seventh come-from-behind victory of the 2012 season, six of which have come at the friendly confines of Fluor Field.
Asheville's Delta Cleary, Jr., who had totaled four RBIs in the previous two games of the series, continued to wreak havoc against the Greenville pitching staff. His one-out single broke the scoreless tie, before Sam Mende crushed a two-out, two-run double off of Jason Garcia, giving Asheville a three-run advantage.
The Tourists extended their lead to 4-0 in the top of the sixth, as Mende laced his second double of the game to leadoff the frame. He would eventually score two batters later on Will Swanner's single to right-field.
Greenville began inching back into the game in the bottom of the sixth, cutting Asheville's lead in half. Cecchini singled and scored on Boss Moanaroa's double, and Blake Swihart added an RBI-double of his own. The Tourists erased a pair of attempts at more runs in the sixth and seventh innings, with nice double plays.
After winning the final two games of the series, the Drive look to continue their winning ways as they welcome the West Virginia Power to Downtown Greenville for four games. Right-hander Yeiper Castillo (3-0, 2.06 ERA) will toe the rubber for Greenville in the opener, as West Virginia counters with left-hander Zac Fuesser (0-1, 5.34 ERA).
First pitch for Thursday is set for 7:05 PM, and it's also Dollar Drink Night at the ballpark. Fans of all ages can purchase 12 ounce Pepsi products at any of the concession stands for just a dollar, while those at least 21-years-old can head over to The 500 Club for drink specials. For more information, or to purchase single-game tickets, group outings or luxury accommodations, please call (864) 240-4500 or log onto GreenvilleDrive.com.