Drive Taken Down by Fireflies in Series Opener

Columbia, SC - A three-run bottom of the second inning was all the Columbia Fireflies needed in a 3-1 victory over the Greenville Drive in Friday's series-opening contest.

After the Fireflies (25-21) began the second inning with a walk and a single, Matt Winaker came through with an RBI double off Alex Scherff (0-4) to make the score 1-0. Two batters later, Raphael Gladu lined a single to center to plate two more run.
Scherff settled in from there, as he didn't allow a run over his next three frames. He finished the night with five strikeouts in five innings.
Jagger Rusconi got the Drive (11-35) on the board in the sixth by cracking a solo homer to right field, giving him three on the season.
That was the only damage done against Columbia starter Joe Cavallaro (6-1), who punched out seven Drive hitters in six innings.
The Drive received a strong relief effort from Angel Padron, as the southpaw threw three innings without allowing a run or a hit.
Saturday's game in Columbia is scheduled for a 6:05 PM first pitch. The Drive will start right-hander Hildemaro Requena (0-0, 45.00), and left-hander Anthony Kay (1-2, 4.04) takes the mound for the Fireflies.
~Greenville Drive~