Fluor Field Attendance Record Highlights Reedy River Rivalry

Greenville, SC-The Reedy River Rivalry returned to Fluor Field and Downtown Greenville in 2014, and it can be termed as nothing less than a grand slam, as the attendance of 7,182 set a record for the largest single game crowd in the nine year history of Fluor Field.

The previous record attendance of 7,129 was set on May 31, 2009 when the Drive took on the Charleston RiverDogs, a day that was highlighted by John Smoltz making a rehab appearance on the mound for the Drive. The previous Reedy River Rivalry games at Fluor Field hosted 7,125 fans in both 2013 and 2011, and 7,105 fans in 2010.

"Saturday's Reedy River Rivalry game at Fluor Field served as a tremendous start to the baseball season," commented Drive Co-Owner and Team President Craig Brown. "The atmosphere of South Carolina and Clemson meeting in Downtown Greenville is always electric, and Saturday was no exception. The success of this day gives us great momentum as we continue to prepare for what we hope will be our most successful season to date at Fluor Field."

The day began with the Reedy River Rivalry Tailgate Fundraiser on Main Street at 10 AM. The event featured food and beverage from the Drive and Chick-fil-A of Pelham Road, live music and entertainment from Doug McCormick, Spencer Rush and the Swingin' Richards, and Clemson and South Carolina trophies and highlights on display. Proceeds went toward Team South Carolina's trip to the 2014 Donate Life America Transplant Games, which help to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.

The game itself began at 2, shortly after national recording artist Corey Smith performed the national anthem. South Carolina took a 5-0 lead in the third inning on the aid of two Clemson errors and never looked back, cruising to a 10-2 victory. Gamecock starter Jack Wynkoop gave up a pair of runs in six innings to earn the win, and Joel Seddon fired three hitless innings to close out the game and earn his third save of the year.

Connor Bright, Kyle Martin and Max Schrock each collected two hits for the Gamecocks, while Marcus Mooney drove in three runs. Tyler Slaton was the lone Clemson batter to pick up a pair of hits, while Zack Erwin threw five and one-third effective relief innings for the Tigers, striking out seven and giving up two runs.

South Carolina has now won three of the four games over Clemson at Fluor Field, bringing home victories in 2010, 2011 and 2014, while Clemson won the matchup in 2013.

"Each of the four times we've hosted the Reedy River Rivalry has been very special. To have the loyal fans of a pair of highly ranked collegiate programs descend on Fluor Field and Downtown Greenville is a thrill," said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. "The perfect weather to kick off the month of March, only a month away from the Drive's season, culminated with a the largest crowd in our ballpark's history. We are proud of this attendance record, which really showcases Fluor Field and the Upstate region, through a unique partnership with Clemson and South Carolina."