Grasshoppers Edge Drive in Dramatic 11th-Inning Comeback

Greensboro rallies late to win Opening Day thriller against Greenville

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:12pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a baseball game, with players' forms blending into the vibrant brushstrokes.The thrilling back-and-forth of an Opening Day baseball game comes to life in a vibrant, energetic illustration.Greenville Today

In a thrilling Opening Day matchup, the Greensboro Grasshoppers staged a dramatic comeback in the late innings to edge the Greenville Drive 6-5 in 11 innings. The Drive had taken a 5-2 lead in the 9th, but the Grasshoppers responded with a two-run rally to tie it and then scored the winning run in the 11th to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This back-and-forth game showcases the unpredictable nature of baseball, where momentum can shift rapidly and a team's resilience is tested. The game also highlights key individual performances that can make the difference between winning and losing.

The details

The Grasshoppers trailed 5-2 heading into the 9th inning, but a two-run homer by Freili Encarnacion tied the game and sent it to extra innings. In the 11th, Yordany De Los Santos drove in the winning run for Greensboro, redeeming himself after an earlier misplay that nearly cost his team the game.

  • The Drive took a 5-2 lead in the top of the 9th inning.
  • Freili Encarnacion hit a game-tying two-run homer for the Grasshoppers in the bottom of the 9th.
  • Yordany De Los Santos drove in the winning run for Greensboro in the 11th inning.

The players

Freili Encarnacion

A Greenville Drive player who hit a game-tying two-run homer in the 9th inning to send the game to extra innings.

Yordany De Los Santos

A Greensboro Grasshoppers player who drove in the winning run in the 11th inning, redeeming himself after an earlier misplay.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up, even when we were down late. That's the kind of fight this team has.”

— Yordany De Los Santos, Greensboro Grasshoppers Player

“It's tough to lose a game like that, but you have to give credit to Greensboro for battling back. That's baseball for you.”

— Freili Encarnacion, Greenville Drive Player

What’s next

The two teams will face off again tomorrow for the second game of the series.

The takeaway

This thrilling Opening Day matchup between the Greenville Drive and Greensboro Grasshoppers showcased the unpredictable nature of baseball, where a team's resilience and individual performances can make the difference between victory and defeat.