SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

RiverDogs Sack Rome, Complete Winning Homestand

Published on May 20, 2012 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC- Evan Rutckyj threw five scoreless innings and struck out eight as the first place Charleston RiverDogs topped the Rome Braves 6-1 in South Atlantic League action at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in front of 3,431 people on Sunday evening.

The RiverDogs fifth straight win put their record at 29-13 and gave them a series victory over the Braves, who now stand at 9-33. Charleston also maintained their two game lead in the SAL Southern Division with the win.

Rutckyj (1-0) was making his debut for the RiverDogs and was impressive. In five innings, he didn't give up a run, allowed only two hits and struck out eight without issuing a walk. "That was a real nice win for us," said RiverDogs manager Carlos Mendoza. "It's great when you lose a guy like [Caleb] Cotham and you don't lose anything out there on the mound. Rutckyj was unbelievable out there. He's a hard worker, I give him credit."

David Filak (2-3) also pitched well for Rome, as the game was scoreless through the first four innings, but the RiverDogs put up the game's first run in the fifth when Mason Williams doubled and Cito Culver singled to score him. In the sixth, they put together a two-out rally to score three more. Angelo Gumbs doubled to get the rally started and, after a hit batter, Reymond Nunez (2-4, RBI, run) doubled to score one run. An error by Rome first baseman William Beckwith then brought in two more runs. Charleston added a fifth run in the seventh on an RBI double by Gary Sanchez.

Rome scored their only run of the game in the 8th against relief pitcher John Brebbia when Kyle Kubitza (1-1, run scored) tripled and scored on a groundout, but it was immediately matched in the bottom of the inning when Francisco Arcia (1-2, 2 runs) scored on an error. Brebbia pitched three innings, only allowing that one run on two hits. A perfect ninth by Joel De La Cruz ended the game.

BALLPARK FUN: RiverDogs fans witnessed an unusual event at the ballpark when Rome was forced to lose their designated hitter. The Braves catcher, Cory Brownsten, was ejected from the game in the third inning and his team's only other catcher, Ryan Query, was DH'ing. When Query took over behind the plate, the pitcher went into the Brownsten's spot in the order. Team owner Bill Murray was on hand for the game and wound up with a foul ball at one point during the game.

COMING UP: The RiverDogs head to Savannah tomorrow for a three game series with the Sand Gnats, as RHP Bryan Mitchell (4-2, 2.63 ERA) will start for Charleston against Savannah's RHP Jacob DeGrom (1-0, 0.00 ERA) in game one. They will return to Charleston for four games against the Greenville Drive beginning on Thursday, May 2, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. Irish night will be held at the park, g iving everyone a chance to be Irish at the game. Budweiser is sponsoring another Thirsty Thursday, meaning the Ashley View Pub will have $1 beers and food specials during the game. All the activities at the ballpark on Thursday night are presented by 95sx.

Check out the Charleston RiverDogs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



South Atlantic League Stories from May 20, 2012


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.

OurSports Central