SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs Discredit Legends 5-2 in Season Opener

Published on April 8, 2010 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC - Third baseman Rob Lyerly drove home three runs to lead the Charleston RiverDogs to a 5-2 victory over the Lexington Legends in South Atlantic League action Thursday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 7,587 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

With the victory, the RiverDogs go to 1-0 on the season while the Legends start 0-1. The win also was the first in manager Greg Colbrunn's career.

In a classic pitching duel through 6.0 innings, the two clubs combined for only five hits and no runs. The pitching showcase and subsequent early-season offensive struggles continued until the seventh inning.

Legends starter Tanner Bushue went 4.1 innings, sinking six and allowing one hit while walking one. The highly-touted 18-year-old righty was impressive early, striking out several RiverDogs on called strikes. Right-hander Jose Trinidad (0-1) came in to relieve Bushue in the fourth, allowing three runs in 2.0 innings of work.

RiverDogs starter Shaeffer Hall made a strong showing as well, scattering only three hits and no earned runs in 6.0 innings in taking the no-decision. Righty Ronny Marte (1-0) came out of the pen in seventh and surrendered two runs, but earned the win after Charleston's three-run seventh inning.

Both clubs struggled offensively until the seventh inning when Lexington broke the stalwart. The Legends brought home two runs via Charleston throwing error by shortstop Kelvin Castro and a RBI single by Jonathan Meyer.

Charleston center fielder Zoilo Almonte and first baseman Luke Murton led the charge, hitting back-to-back singles in the seventh inning. Third baseman Rob Lyerly brought home the RiverDogs' tying run on a single to right -- marking the third consecutive knock that inning - that allowed Almonte to score from third. The hit parade continued with right fielder Taylor Grote and DH Garrison Lassiter knocking another pair of back-to-back singles, handing the hosts a 3-2 advantage.

With a one-run lead heading into the eighth, the RiverDogs brought in southpaw Francisco Rondon, who set down the first three batters. Charleston looked to build on their one-run lead in the eighth as second baseman Jimmy Paredes advanced to first on an error by Lexington third baseman Jonathan Meyer. Paredes then stole second base and then and third. Lyerly knocked a single to right field plating Paredes and Mack, who walked and stole second base.

Game 2 of this four-game series is set for Friday at 7:05 pm (or 30 minutes following The Citadel - Indiana State game) with Charleston sending former Clemson right-hander Graham Stoneburner (0-0, 0.00 ERA) while Lexington goes with right-hander Juan Minaya (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 8, 2010


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