RiverDogs Unable to Mount Comeback in Loss to Asheville
April 22, 2017 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Despite out hitting their opponent and great bullpen work, the Charleston RiverDogs failed to mount another late inning comeback as they fell to Asheville, 3-1, Friday night at Riley Park in front of 4,561 fans.
Brian Keller (2-1, 3.78) turned in six solid innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out a career-high nine, in the longest start for a RiverDogs pitcher this year. Raynel Espinal was dominant, turning in three perfect innings with five strikeouts out of the bullpen to keep Charleston (9-7) within striking distance.
Asheville (7-9) got all their runs in the fourth inning to get to Keller. The Wisconsin right-hander got the first two outs before getting into trouble. Third baseman Colten Walker doubled before back-to-back walks loaded the bases. Second baseman Max George hit a rocket that bounced off Angel Aguilar at third and brought around Welker to make it 1-0 Asheville. Things continued to go the Tourists' way as first baseman Jacob Bosiokovic hit a bloop double into right field and Tyler Nevin and Willie Abreu scored to make it 3-0.
The RiverDogs got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. Brandon Gold recorded the first two outs, and then walked Hoy Jun Park. Blake Rutherford doubled to right center field and Park came into make it a two-run ball game.
Gold (1-1, 3.18) got the win and pitched seven strong innings, allowing six hits and one earned run while striking out seven.
Rutherford made a highlight reel catch to begin the sixth when he tumbled over a waist high wall in foul territory at Shoeless Joe's Hill to make a grab into a crowd of young RiverDogs fans for the first out of inning.
Ballpark Fun
The RiverDogs celebrated 90s night at the Joe with the best music of the decade being played throughout the night. The postgame fireworks extravaganza presented by Home Telecom went on as scheduled despite the 8:30 start. 90s trivia games were played in between innings and a feature film was held on some retro 90s television equipment by the main gate.
Upcoming
The RiverDogs will get ready for game three against the Tourists on Saturday night at The Joe. Charleston will send RHP Nick Nelson (0-1, 11.05) as Asheville counters with RHP Eric Julio (0-1, 4.50). First pitch is set for 6:05pm. The game will be broadcast on WTMA 1250 AM as well as online streaming on riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio app under the "Charleston RiverDogs" station. The RiverDogs will try to set the world record for the largest simultaneous blast of silly string as part of a night dedicated to string lovers. Select RiverDogs players will also be on hand to sign autographs before the game.
RiverDogs tickets, including options for the all-new Riley Park Club, are now available and can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com. Those that can't make it to the park can follow every pitch of the RiverDogs season on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area or by streaming online at riverdogs.com and the TuneIn Radio App by searching "RiverDogs."
South Atlantic League Stories from April 22, 2017
- Drive Fall in Longest Game in Franchise History - Greenville Drive
- Hickory's Homers Half Season-Best Win Streak - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- RiverDogs Unable to Mount Comeback in Loss to Asheville - Charleston RiverDogs
- Gold Dominant for Tourists in Important Win - Asheville Tourists
- Columbia Blanks Legends 5-0; Tebow 3-For-3 - Lexington Legends
- Gonzalez, Tebow Lead Fireflies to Fifth Shut-Out Win - Columbia Fireflies
- Gonzalez, Tebow Lead Fireflies to Fifth Shut-Out Win - Columbia Fireflies
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