SAL1 Charleston RiverDogs

Suns Break up Pitcher's Duel on Difo's Dinger

Published on August 2, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release


CHARLESTON, SC - On a night where the Charleston RiverDogs wore throwback Rainbows uniforms and General Manager Dave Echols received an in-game prostate exam, the Hagerstown Suns earned a 1-0 shutout victory on a ninth-inning home run by Wilmer Difo on Saturday evening in front of 4,071 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in South Atlantic League action.

The RiverDogs are now 21-20 in the second half and 54-57 overall. The Suns have records of 27-15 and 71-41, respectively. Hagerstown also leads this four-game series by a 2-1 margin.

Charleston left-handed pitcher Ian Clarkin and Hagerstown right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez each pitched five scoreless innings to open the contest. Clarkin stranded four baserunners, including three that were in scoring position, while throwing 58 pitches in five innings. Lopez allowed no runs or walks and also retired the final six batters that he faced.

The starters were followed by three scoreless innings apiece from RiverDogs right-hander Giovanny Gallegos and Suns southpaw Joseph Webb. Gallegos struck out four and gave up just two hits in a shutout effort. Webb faced the minimum in his three innings, surrendering one hit and one walk but picking off both runners before they were caught stealing second base.

With double-barreled shutout pitching through eight innings, Difo quickly gave the Suns a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth. Difo deposited a 2-0 pitch over the right field wall for a leadoff home run against right-handed reliever Stefan Lopez. It was Difo's tenth round tripper of the season.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, right-handed reliever Sam Johns kept the RiverDogs from scoring to wrap up the shutout. A line drive to first base and a pair of groundouts gave Johns a perfect inning of relief in a save situation.

Webb earned the victory to improve to 4-1 with the Suns. Lopez was charged with the loss and fell to 1-2. Johns recorded his first save with Hagerstown after a scoreless ninth inning.

The Charleston Rainbows throwback uniforms were a big part of Rainbows Day, presented by Charleston Pride and Dudley's on Ann. The Rainbows were the previous team name from 1985-1993, and in-game music was used from that time period.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Dave Echols received a prostate exam while he sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in support of prostate cancer awareness and Fallon Emery, a nine-year-old from Carolina Forest, SC who is battling brain cancer. Dr. Ian Marshall from Lowcountry Urology Clinics performed the procedure and gave Echols a clean bill of health.

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 2, 2014


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