Drive Pitching Fans 20 in 5-1 Win Over Dash

Twenty strikeouts for the Greenville Drive pitching staff were more than plenty for a 5-1 win over the Winston-Salem Dash, leveling the series record at one apiece. The Drive improves to 25-25, while the Dash falls to 25-24 in the second-half standings.

Jacob Mayers had a rocky start in the first inning, throwing 32 pitches but stranding the two runners he walked with a couple of strikeouts, avoiding a premature end to his outing.

Mayers recovered well in the second, sending his next three down in order and coming back in the third to keep it scoreless.

The Drive drew first blood in the same inning, starting with Jake Schaffner’s RBI double and a swift decision by Nazzan Zanetello to steal home on an error. Schaffner then scored off a single by Luke Heyman, capping a three-run frame to take the lead.

Mayers pitched 3.1 innings. He allowed one hit, walked three batters, and struck out seven. This performance sets a new personal best for him while wearing a Drive uniform. Brady Tygart kept it rolling for the Drive, retiring the first six batters he saw. Five by strikeout, with three down swinging, before allowing his first baserunner in the sixth. George Wolkow continued to feel good at Fluor Field, driving in a run on an RBI single to put the Dash in the running, 3-1.

A two-run double for Yophery Rodriguez marked his 42nd RBI and stretched Greenville’s lead to 5-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

Sights on manager Liam Carroll prompted a sudden applause from the crowd, ending Tygart’s night after 4.1 mighty innings. His final line included just one run off two hits, but his season-high 10 strikeouts outshined the rest. He earned his second win of the season, and Aaron Nixon closed it out, clinching a well-played win for the Drive.

Three Greenville arms did the job, allowing just six outs with the ball in play. The Drive saw five Winston-Salem pitchers in total tonight, and opposing starter Drew McDaniel was charged with his seventh loss, lasting four innings with three runs allowed on three hits.

As for the offense, five hits were enough for Greenville. Heyman had a two-hit night with a run scored and an RBI. Yophery Rodriguez led the team with two RBIs. The Dash only had four hits, their solo run coming from Wolkow’s single in the sixth. Javier Mogollon went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

The Greenville Drive faces the Winston-Salem Dash in game three tomorrow with first pitch at 6:45 PM. It’s Bark in the Park, presented by Noble Dog Hotel & VEG ER for Pets. Fans can bring their furry friends to enjoy a game at Fluor Field. There will be local vendors on the concourse in the Pup-Up Market, fun activities and demonstrations on the field, and special offers and opportunities from presenting sponsors.