SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

Eight-Run Second Sends \'Dogs over Delmarva, 9-7

Published on July 7, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - An eight-run second inning propelled the Charleston RiverDogs to a 9-7 win over the Delmarva Shorebirds in South Atlantic League action Thursday night in front of a crowd of 4,589 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Charleston captured its second straight victory to improve to 7-8 this half and 33-52 overall, while Delmarva dropped to 6-9 and 41-44.

Delmarva wasted no time in getting the bats going against RiverDogs' starter Scottie Allen (3-0), plating two first inning runs on three hits.

Mike Mooney led off with an infield single to shortstop, and came home to score when Brenden Webb smoked a RBI double to the left-centerfield fence. Jeremy Nowak delivered the second run two batters later, lining a RBI single to right field to complete Webb's trip around the bases and give the Shorebirds a 2-0 lead.

The Shorebirds piled on in the second inning, as the bottom of the order provided a 5-0 cushion for starting pitcher Scott Copeland (5-7).

Michael Rooney reached on a fielding error by RiverDogs shortstop Jose Mojica, and crossed to third on a double by Garabez Rosa. Mikey Planeta then provided some pop out of the nine spot, powering his first home run of the season over the left field wall for a three-run shot. It was Planeta's first SAL home run in 654 at-bats.

Copeland set down the side 1-2-3 in the first inning, but fell apart in the second, as the RiverDogs plated eight runs to force him from the mound. The first seven hitters to come to the batter's box reached base, as Charleston batted around, sending 14 men to the plate in total.

Gary Sanchez started the furious rally with one swing of the bat, parking a payoff pitch over the left-centerfield wall for his eighth home run of the season. Ramon Flores followed with a single, Kelvin De Leon worked a walk, and Garrison Lassiter extended his season-best hitting streak to six games with a single up the middle, loading the bases for Jose Toussen.

Toussen kept the chain moving with a RBI single, slicing the Charleston deficit to 5-2 as the sacks remained full. Copeland then issued his second free pass of the frame to Mojica, forcing in De Leon from third base. Once Copeland found the strike zone against Eduardo Sosa, the RiverDogs centerfielder made him pay, lacing a two-run double to knot the score, 5-5.

Anderson Feliz came to the dish next, and gave the RiverDogs the advantage with a RBI groundout. With action warming in the Shorebirds bullpen, Kevin Mahoney provided the exclamation point for the wild inning, clubbing a no-doubt two-run blast over the right-field fence for an 8-5 cushion.

Mahoney's round tripper spelled the end of a difficult night for Copeland, who logged only 1.1 innings while surrendering the eight runs on six hits and two walks.

Charleston tacked on another tally in the fourth, as Flores singled and made the trek to the plate when Lassiter ripped a RBI triple into the right-field corner for a 9-5 lead.

Allen was on cruise control after the second inning, yielding only three hits over his final four frames while keeping Delmarva off the scoreboard. The Orlando native lasted 6.0 innings, yielding the five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks, while fanning five.

Delmarva notched a run to creep within three at 9-6 in the top of the eighth versus Charleston reliever Aaron Dott. Nowak pumped a double to the left-centerfield alley to start the inning, and eventually came around to score on a RBI groundout by Rooney.

Kelvin Perez yielded a run in the ninth and allowed the tying runs to reach base, but found his way out of the jam to record his eighth save of the campaign. Mike Flacco accounted for the final 9-7 tally with a RBI groundout, before Nowak struck out swinging, and Ty Kelly was caught stealing to end the game.

BALLPARK FUN: With $1 beers in the Ashley View Pub and fresh music courtesy of the stylings of DJ Natty Heavy, the weekend got off to a rollicking start at The Joe. Twin River Lanes Human Bowling was just one of the entertaining in-game promotions fans were treated to, as a couple of lucky spectators tried to knock down all the pins for a strike. Former Commander of the Allied Powers Europe John Shaud was in attendance with RiverDogs co-owner Gene Budig. Shaud is one of only eleven 4-star American Generals in the world.

UP NEXT: Right-hander Jose A. Ramirez (3-3, 4.60 ERA) heads to the bump as the RiverDogs continue a four-game series with the Shorebirds on Friday at 7:05 p.m. Left-hander Jacob Pettit (5-4, 4.36 ERA) is slated to pitch for Delmarva.

Force Protection Industries, Inc. Red Shirt Fridays have become synonymous with RiverDogs baseball and the partnership once again allows you to "Be Your Own Fan" of the military while showing your appreciation for members of our armed forces. All patrons wearing a red shirt to the game will blend in with the players on the field and receive a $1 off their ticket. If you're feeling charitable, you may donate that dollar to a military family with parents fighting overseas. Win or lose, cap off the start to another weekend of RiverDogs baseball in style by remaining in the stands to watch the weekly Piggly Wiggly Postgame Fireworks display which ensures everyone goes home a winner.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 7, 2011


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