Clark fans 8 in 5.0-inning relief loss

GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 16, 2018) -- Relief pitcher Ethan Clark struck out a season-high eight batters over five innings, but the Grasshoppers fell, 4-2, to the Greenville Drive on Thursday at Fluor Field. Greensboro (21-28 Second Half, 55-63 Overall) extended its season-long losing streak to eight games, the fourth-longest streak in franchise history.
The Drive scored two in the first inning and two more in the sixth while the Grasshoppers came away with only two runs in the third inning thanks to a Connor Scott sacrifice fly and ensuring Thomas Jones RBI-single to score Isael Soto and Garvis Lara, respectively.
Clark (0-1) took the loss, working 5.0 innings in relief of starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, who worked 2.0 innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out three. Clark also gave up two runs (one earned) during his outing, striking out eight and walking one. It was Clark's highest single-game strikeout total since his last start against Greenville - July 20, 2017 - when he fanned a career-high 10 batters over 5 and 1/3 innings for Greensboro. 
Enmanuel De Jesus (7-4) earned the win, striking out 10 batters over 7.0 innings and giving up two runs on five hits with two walks. Marcos Latingua tossed the final 2.0 innings of scoreless ball for the save (4).  
Zach Sterry belted a 2-run home run (4) for Greenville in the bottom of the sixth to break a 2-2 tie and give the Drive the lead for good.  
In the Grasshoppers era (since 2005), Greensboro has had only three losing streaks longer than the team's current slide. The Hoppers lost nine straight games May 28-June 5, 2005, during the team's inaugural season and again June 18-30, 2015. Two years ago, Greensboro lost a franchise-worst 14 straight games from August 23-September 5, 2016 to wrap up the regular season. 
Greensboro wraps up this 3-game series at Greenville on Friday at 7:05 p.m. before returning to North Carolina on Saturday to open a 4-game road series against I-85 rival Kannapolis. The Grasshoppers return to First National Bank Field for the final home stand of the season August 23-30, and tickets are still available online at gsohoppers.com.