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 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs Clinch Playoff Berth with 3-0 Shutout of Augusta

June 14, 2016 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC - The Charleston RiverDogs are playoff bound for the first time in 11 years. The RiverDogs used a three run fifth inning and tremendous pitching to beat the Augusta GreenJackets 3-0 and clinch a spot in the South Atlantic League Playoffs as they clinched the first half title in the Southern Division. The Charleston RiverDogs threw their fourth shutout in their past seven games to celebrate with 4,098 strong at Joseph P. Riley Jr., Park Tuesday night.

Nestor Cortes (3-1) picked up the win for Charleston (39-25) facing just one over the minimum through is six innings of work, walking two, and striking out three. With great defense behind him, Cortes the nifty left-hander kept working his fastball in and out, while dropping the hammer and slinging his slider to elude GreenJacket hitters.

Charleston broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth putting a three spot on Augusta's starter Cory Taylor (5-2). Nathan Mikolas opened the frame with an infield single to short and a steal of second. Alexander Palma also reached on an infield single, this one to second to put runners on the corners with no outs. Hoy Jun Park stepped in and rifled an RBI single to right field to put the RiverDogs up 1-0. Leonardo Molina then stood in and dropped down a bunt. GreenJacket pitcher Taylor picked the ball up and tried to throw Palma out at third, but threw the ball high and away into the Augusta bullpen. The throw allowed Palma to score on the error and Molina to advance to second. Gosuke Katoh then lifted a fly ball to center that scored Park on the sacrifice giving Charleston the 3-0 advantage.

The notorious shutdown bullpen for the RiverDogs came through again as Jose Mesa entered in the seventh and eighth to give up three hits, but struck out four to get out of trouble. Andrew Schwaab appeared in the ninth for his 13th save of the season coming with a strikeout.

Ballpark Fun

As the RiverDogs clinched their first playoff berth in over a decade, they celebrated Take Me Out Tuesday presenting Firefighter Night courtesy of ServiceMaster.  All of the tri-county firemen were honored and there were on-field games between innings including a tug of war between firehouses and a t-shirt toss from a firetruck. The "Take Me Out Tuesday" featured a two-for-$20 meal and ticket deal at the gate. It was also Flag Day where the exchange club of Mount Pleasant gave out flags to the first 2,000 fans that walked through the gates.

Upcoming

The RiverDogs will take on the GreenJackets for the final game of the four game series Wednesday night at 7:05 PM as RHP Christian Morris (4-1, 2.23) squares off against RHP Michael Connolly (3-2, 3.13). Join the RiverDogs and the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association as they help recognize individuals in the local service industry. Service industry employees, who show proof with a pay stub, will receive 30 percent off of their game ticket and food. There will be numerous in-game contests that spotlight our service industry members including a Sous Chef competition. Help celebrate Irish Night as Irish dancers will be showcasing their moves on the field between innings along with hurlers who will impress with their throwing power. It'll also be Senior Wednesday as seniors who enter the stadium before 7pm will receive a free hot dog, chips and a drink.

Ticket information for the RiverDogs homestand and any of the remaining home games can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com. Those that can't make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM and streaming online at riverdogs.com. Listen on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area.


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