Fluor Field, Greenville, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Bowling Green Hot Rods dominated the Greenville Drive with an 8-2 win at Fluor Field, leading the series 2-1 in a six-game set. Aidan Smith stood out with two home runs and three RBIs, while Marcus Johnson pitched six scoreless innings to earn the win. Despite a strong effort from Greenville, including a late consolation run, they couldn’t overcome the Hot Rods’ lead. The two teams will meet again Friday night as the Drive looks to even the series.
Greenville
The Bowling Green Hot Rods secured an emphatic 8-2 victory over the Greenville Drive at Fluor Field, pushing their series lead to 2-1 in a six-game set.
In a standout performance, Aidan Smith led the way for the Hot Rods with two home runs and a stellar 4-for-5 batting line that included three RBIs and three runs scored. Smith kicked off the scoring with a home run in the first inning against Drive starter Jedixson Paez, who was charged with his third loss of the season, dropping to 0-3 despite allowing only one run over three innings.
The Hot Rods extended their lead in the fourth inning when Carlos Colmenarez hit a solo homer. Smith then shone again, hitting a two-run homer in the seventh inning, which padded Bowling Green’s lead to 5-0.
Greenville attempted a comeback in the sixth inning by loading the bases, but tragedy struck when Nazzan Zanetello struck out with two outs, leaving the Drive unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity. In the seventh inning, the Drive managed to get on the board as Mason White scored on a ground-ball double play, narrowing the gap to 5-1.
However, the Hot Rods responded robustly, scoring three additional runs in the eighth inning. A fielding error by Zanetello contributed to the scoring, and Jhon Diaz added an RBI single while Jose Perez contributed with a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 8-1.
In the ninth inning, the Drive’s Johanfran Garcia hit his eighth home run of the season, scoring a consolation run for Greenville, resulting in a final score of 8-2.
Marcus Johnson of the Hot Rods earned credit for the win, pitching six scoreless innings, scattering five hits while striking out seven batters. Meanwhile, the Drive managed to collect nine hits but could not convert, stranding seven runners on base and finishing 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
The series between the two teams will continue on Friday night at Fluor Field, where the Drive will look to even the series in their next matchup.
Key Performance Overview
- Aidan Smith: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R
- Marcus Johnson: Win, 6 IP, 5 H, 7 K
- Greenville Drive Hits: 9 (Godbout 2-for-4, Garcia 2-for-4, Zanetello 2-for-4, White 1-for-3)
Game Summary
| Team | Runs | Hits | Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green Hot Rods | 8 | 10 | 1 |
| Greenville Drive | 2 | 9 | 1 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Bowling Green Hot Rods 8, Greenville Drive 2.
Who was the standout player in the game?
Aidan Smith from the Hot Rods had an outstanding performance with two home runs, three RBIs, and three runs scored.
How does this loss affect the Greenville Drive’s standing in the series?
This loss puts the Drive at a 2-1 disadvantage in the current six-game series against the Hot Rods.
When is the next game in the series?
The next game is scheduled for Friday night at Fluor Field, where the Drive will aim to even the series against the Hot Rods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Diverse Spring Events in Upstate: Festivals, Markets, and Performances
Additional Resources
- MILB: Smith Powers Hot Rods Past Drive
- Wikipedia: Bowling Green Hot Rods
- MILB: Mateo Logs Multi-Hit Game
- Google Search: Greenville Drive
- MILB: Drive Drop Series Opener
- Google Scholar: Bowling Green Hot Rods
- MILB: Smith and Horvath Go Back to Back
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Minor League Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
