GREENSBORO – Greensboro opened the scoring with three run in the second inning Tuesday, but Greenville snapped a five-game losing streak by out-scoring the Hoppers 12-3 through the final seven frames en route to a 12-6 series-opening victory.

The Drive drove in three in the third to even the score and later grabbed the lead with a pair of runs in the sixth inning. Greensboro plated another run in the sixth to tie the game again and get starter Alex Sanabia off the hook, but the bullpen gave up five runs in the seventh and another two in the ninth to earn the win.

Catcher Tyler Belcher led the Hoppers with his 3-for-4 performance which included his second home run of the season. It was Greensboro’s second home run of the night as the Hoppers hit back-to-back jacks in the second inning. Tom Hickman hit a two-run blast to put the Hoppers on top right before Belcher belted the second of his career.

Greensboro added solo runs in the third, sixth and eighth innings, but was out-matched 12-3 in the final seven frames.

The Drive kicked it into gear with seven runs in the final three innings and pounded out 16 hits against the Hoppers including three each by Carlos Fernandez and Oscar Tejeda. Despite blowing a save opportunity, Ryne Miller earned the win for Greenville after allowing two runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings of relief work for Chad Povich.

Kris Harvey was tagged with the loss in his Greensboro pitching debut after allowing five runs in the seventh on five hits.

The same two teams return to action Wednesday afternoon as they meet for a 12:30 p.m. contest at NewBridge Bank Park.

Postgame Quick Stats
Win – Ryne Miller (2-3); Loss – Kris Harvey (0-1); Save – None
Time – 3:16; Attendance – 6,222