CHARLESTON, SC – Chris Gittens’ RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning forced extra frames, but the West Virginia Power caught a spark in the tenth inning Wednesday night as they took game one from the Charleston RiverDogs, 3-2, in front of 2,606 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
The RiverDogs (17-8) threatened to walk off for the sixth time this season, but came up short in the bottom of the ninth. Charleston scored a run off of two walks and a single by Gittens and had loaded the bases, but Tanner Anderson (1-1) for the Power shut the door with two strikeouts to end the inning.
In the top of the tenth, the Power (16-9) scored the game winning run off a sacrifice fly off the bat of Ke’Bryan Hayes. The West Virginia third baseman came to the plate with the bases loaded after two walks and a hit by pitch. Hayes lifted the pitch into right field, backing Jhalan Jackson up just enough, allowing Alfredo Reyes to score from third.
West Virginia took the lead in the top of the first after Hayes hit a solo home run just over the left field wall to take the 1-0 advantage.
Charleston got their first run in the bottom of the third on a ground out from Eduardo Navas. Kyle Holder and Connor Spencer opened the frame with back-to-back singles to center.
West Virginia’s starter, Mitch Keller, had another quality start, tossing 7.0 innings giving up a run off of three hits, a walk, and six strikeouts.
Claudio Custodio (3-1) picked up his first loss of the season, throwing the final two innings and giving up a run on no hits, two walks, a hit by pitch, and a strikeout.
With the loss, Charleston remains in first place over the Columbia Fireflies in the Southern Division of the South Atlantic League.
Ballpark Fun
The Charleston RiverDogs celebrated individuals in the service industry, having a night filled with bartending style competitions and more. It was another “Wine Down Wednesday” presented by WEZL where 50 lucky fans were given free wine glasses and discounts in the Wine Garden from 6-7pm. It was also another Senior Wednesday as seniors 65 and older who entered the stadium before 7pm received a free hot dog, chips and a drink.
Upcoming
The RiverDogs will be back Thursday night for game two against the West Virginia Power. Charleston will roll RHP Anyelo Gomez (0-1, 5.40) out on the mound against West Virginia’s RHP Logan Sendelbach (2-0, 1.32). First pitch is set for 7:05pm. Gearing up for another Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, the RiverDogs will have DJ Natty Heavy jamming in the Ashley View Pub, and there will be $1 draft beers all night long as the RiverDogs celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Ticket information for the RiverDogs homestand 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 and streaming online at riverdogs.com.
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