SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

De Leon Derails Drive as 'Dogs Claim 6-4 Win

Published on June 12, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - Kelvin De Leon smoked a two-run home run and scored a pair of runs to lead the Charleston RiverDogs over the Greenville Drive, 6-4, in South Atlantic League action Sunday night in front of a crowd of 3,241 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Charleston upped its mark to 25-38 with a second straight win, while Greenville fell back below .500 at 31-32 in its second straight defeat.

Felix Sanchez keyed the Drive in the first inning, as they jumped out to a 1-0 lead against RiverDogs' starter Jose A. Ramirez (3-2). Sanchez lined a base right through the hole on the right side of the infield, swiped second base, moved to third on a passed ball, and came in to score on a Miles Head RBI groundout.

Charleston moved in front, 3-1, with a three-hit rally off Greenville hurler Miguel Celestino (4-4) in the bottom of the second.

Kyle Roller chopped an infield single past the second base bag, and Rob Segedin and De Leon worked walks to load the bases for Mike Ferraro. Ferraro made the most of his first plate appearance as a RiverDog, ripping a two-run double to the right-center field gap on the very first pitch. Jose Mojica stepped to the plate next, and capped the scoring with a RBI groundout.

Greenville responded with a run of its own in the top of the third in cutting the score to 3-2. Ramirez issued a free pass to Sanchez leading off the frame, and the center fielder eventually made the trip around the bases on a Heiker Meneses double, and Head's second RBI groundout.

Christian Vazquez spurred the Drive to tie the tally at 3-3 with a single run in the top of the fourth. Vazquez powered a triple off the right-centerfield fence, and was sent scurrying to the plate on a RBI single by Xander Bogaerts.

Celestino could not keep the score square for long, however, as Charleston regained the advantage at 4-3 in the last of the fourth. Segedin cracked a ground rule double over the center field wall, and came into score on Mojica's second RBI groundout of the evening.

Drive Manager Billy McMillon removed Celestino after 5.0 innings, in favor of Tyler Lockwood. Celestino allowed the four runs on five hits and four walks, while notching a pair of strikeouts.

De Leon exhibited his patience, and showed off his power, to push the RiverDogs' cushion to 6-3 in the bottom of the sixth. The 20-year old right fielder forced a 3-2 count from Lockwood, and pounded a payoff pitch deep over the left-field scoreboard for his ninth round-tripper of the campaign, tying for the team lead and tying a personal career-best.

Ramirez penned 6.0 solid innings for the second straight start. The 21-year old Dominican righty permitted the three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks, fanning five in the process.

Brandon Jacobs pulled the Drive a run closer at 6-4 against reliever Kramer Sneed in the eighth, launching his eighth home run of the year off a palmetto tree beyond the left field wall and increased his hitting streak to nine games in the process.

Kelvin Perez nailed down his sixth save of the year, and second in as many nights, with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to dismiss the Drive and preserve the 6-4 final outcome.

BALLPARK FUN: As a continuation of Larry Doby Heritage Weekend, two former Negro League stars were on hand for a pregame ceremony. Clifford Layton and Carl Long sold authentic memorabilia on the concourse and talked with fans about their trailblazing experience. During the game, both teams wore the uniforms of the Newark Eagles and Homestand Grays, two historic Negro Leagues franchises. It was also another CCPRC Family Sunday, meaning fans could save money by taking advantage of our regular FREE PARKING and KIDS EAT FREE Sundays, presented by Pepsi. As always, the Yankees of tomorrow stuck around on the field after the game to dole out free autographs to their admirers.

UP NEXT: Freshly minted SAL Southern Division All-Star Mikey O'Brien (3-4, 3.64 ERA) climbs the hill as the RiverDogs and Drive square off in the second contest of a four-game series. Right-hander Keith Couch (0-1, 3.94 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Greenville.

The hugely popular Dora the Explorer navigates her way to The Joe for an evening of baseball and family-oriented fun. Dora will be on hand to visit with fans and take pictures throughout the evening in special designated area in Doby's Deck. As is the case every Monday, the RiverDogs partner with a local nonprofit organization to generate exposure and funds for a specific cause, presented by The Bridge at 105.5 FM. This week's featured ally is Camp Happy Day, a summer camp for children who keep a brave, smiling face while battling cancer. Spectators can also enjoy $1 beers in the Ashley View Pub as one extends the weekend with Hair of the Dog Mondays, presented by 98Rock. Both teams will don the classic uniforms of their parent clubs, with the RiverDogs in Yankees pinstripes and the Drive in Red Sox red alternates.

Check out the Charleston RiverDogs Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 12, 2011


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