RiverDogs Finish Five-Win Week over Columbia
May 11, 2025 - Carolina League (CarL)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release
Charleston RiverDogs second baseman Narciso Polanco
(Charleston RiverDogs)
Charleston, SC - Outfielder Brailer Guerrero launched his first home run of the season, and starter Jacob Kmatz delivered six scoreless innings as the Charleston RiverDogs edged the Columbia Fireflies 3-2 on Sunday evening in front of 3,432 fans at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.
With the victory, the RiverDogs improved to 15-18 on the season and secured a commanding 5-1 series win over their in-state rivals.
In the bottom of the third inning, Narciso Polanco continued his hot streak and smoked a solo homer in his second straight game to break the deadlock and give the RiverDogs a 1-0 lead.
Kmatz faced the minimum through five innings and only gave up three singles in his six innings. The effort marks the second time this season the right-hander has pitched six full frames.
In the sixth, Polanco forced a two-base throwing error on a bunt. That set up Guerrero's homer, which he lofted over the right field wall to push the lead to 3-0.
The RiverDogs needed the cushion, as Columbia responded with Kmatz out of the game in the seventh. Brennon McNair and Colton Becker lashed back-to-back RBI doubles to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The scoring ended there. Noah Beal worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning and Andy Rodriguez nailed down the save in the ninth to put the cherry on top of Charleston's successful week.
Ballpark Fun: Tonight was Minecraft Movie Night at The Joe, to celebrate the famous film based off of the world's most popular video game. The first 650 fans received a Minecraft themed hat with a "creeper" on it. Many viral memes and moments from the movie were teased on the videoboard, particularly the "Chicken Jockey" scene, much to the excitement of the younger fans in the stands. Many mothers and grandmothers were in attendance with their families and friends to celebrate Mother's Day. As always, kids ran the bases after the game.
The RiverDogs are back in action on Tuesday, May 13th, against the Salem Red Sox to kick off another six-game homestand. First pitch is set for 7:05pm. All dogs are welcome at the park for Dog Day Tuesday, presented by Twisted Tea.
Images from this story
 Charleston RiverDogs second baseman Narciso Polanco |
Carolina League Stories from May 11, 2025
- Delayed Steal Finishes Daring Comeback in Fayetteville Mother's Day Victory - Fayetteville Woodpeckers
- RiverDogs Finish Five-Win Week over Columbia - Charleston RiverDogs
- Pelicans Dismantle Shorebirds 11-0 to Earn Series Split - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Delmarva Shut out by Myrtle Beach in Series Finale - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Fireflies Late Rally Falls Short Sunday - Columbia Fireflies
- FredNats Walk 12, Lose Fourth Straight Game 15-5 - Fredericksburg Nationals
- Mudcats Shut out by Kannapolis - Carolina Mudcats
- Columbia Fireflies Homestand Preview: May 13-18 - Columbia Fireflies
- GreenJackets' Series Finale vs Crawdads Canceled Due to Rain - Augusta GreenJackets
- Columbia Fireflies Game Notes 5.11 at Charleston - Columbia Fireflies
- White Sox Purchase Contract of Legends LHP Kaleb Sophy - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
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.
Other Recent Charleston RiverDogs Stories
- Lynchburg's Bullpen Keeps RiverDogs in Check
- RiverDogs Twirl One-Hit Shutout to Down Lynchburg
- Voelker Takes No-Hit Bid into Seventh; RiverDogs Falter in Ninth
- Hujsak, Galan Sweep Carolina League Awards for June 17-22
- Charleston Wins Back-And-Forth Battle to Sweep Kannapolis
