RiverDogs End Season-Long, Seven-Game Drought on Tuesday

July 17, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston RiverDogs jumped out to an early three-run lead to snap a season-worst seven-game losing streak, defeating the Hickory Crawdads, 5-2, in front of 3,316 on Tuesday afternoon's Big Splash Day at Joe Riley Park.

Charleston (46-46, 13-11) got first inning RBI hits from first baseman Dermis Garcia, third baseman Chris Hess and center fielder Leonardo Molina on consecutive at-bats off Hickory (44-49, 14-11) starter Noah Bremer (3-3).

Garcia finished with two hits and a run scored, extending the 20-year-old's hitting streak to a season-long 11 games. The Dominican Republic native will match a RiverDogs best 12-game streak if he hits safely in his next game. Molina reached in a dozen straight contests from May 4-17.

The RiverDogs allowed a sixth inning Hickory run but earned it back plus insurance in the home half as catcher Eduardo Navas roped a two-run single to right field, scoring Molina and second baseman Welfrin Mateo, making it 5-1.

Right-hander Deivi Garcia got the nod for the RiverDogs, going 4 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out seven Crawdads. Garcia has struck out at least seven in five of his first six starts with the Holy City, all at Riley Park.

Garcia was relieved by right-hander Dalton Higgins (5-2), who allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. Higgins had previously surrendered one run in his last 10 outings, totaling 26 innings. The Dallas Baptist product was awarded his fifth win of the season, with an ERA of 1.26.

Braden Bristo recorded the final six outs, letting up a ninth inning run but shutting the door to give the Dogs their first victory since July 8 in Columbia.

Charleston avoided a seven-game homestand sweep which would have been the first since July 2012. The seven-game losing streak was the longest since the RiverDogs dropped eight straight in 2014.

Ballpark Fun

The Joe was turned into the biggest waterpark in Charleston for the day as super-soakers, fire hoses, sprinklers, and water balloons were scattered throughout the concourse. Fans and staff could be splashed at a moment's notice during the early afternoon contest.

Upcoming

The RiverDogs will have Wednesday off before starting a four-game series in Rome. Right-hander Jio Orozco (1-2, 4.17) will take the hill for the Dogs in the series opener at 7:00. Thursday's contest can be heard on "The Big Talker" 1250 WTMA with audio streaming live at riverdogs.com and the RiverDogs' TuneIn radio station.

RiverDogs single-game tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign, the club's 25th season as the RiverDogs and their "175th season in dog years." Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

Charleston RiverDogs second baseman Oswaldo Cabrera (Zach Bland)

Charleston RiverDogs pitcher Deivi Garcia delivers (Zach Bland)

South Atlantic League Stories from July 17, 2018

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• Rogers Fans Career-High 8 to Earn Win - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• West Virginia Claims 8-1 Rain-Shortened Finale - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Five-Run Ninth Inning Closes Door to Drive - Lexington Legends
• 'Birds Falter in Rain-Shortened Finale - Delmarva Shorebirds
• RiverDogs End Season-Long, Seven-Game Drought on Tuesday - Charleston RiverDogs
• Bouchard Drives Home a Pair in 5-2 Loss - Asheville Tourists
• Drive Fall 10-3 to Legends on Tuesday Afternoon - Greenville Drive
• Tiberi Finishes Road Trip with 12 Hits - Columbia Fireflies
• Nieporte Homers, Claws Finish Homestand at 6-1 - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
• Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes: July 17 at Lakewood (Game 92) - Columbia Fireflies
• Led by Gasparini's Long Ball, Legends Halt Drive's Winning Streak in 7-5 Victory - Lexington Legends
• West Virginia Power: Game Notes (July 17) - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Promo Preview: Christmas in July, Sidewalk Prophets, and More - Hickory Crawdads
• Legends Snap Drive Winning Streak on Monday - Greenville Drive

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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