The Charleston RiverDogs got back in the win column Saturday night as they defeated the Rome Braves 7-2.
The RiverDogs had a big fourth inning which lead to them easily cruising to the finish line with a win. The frame got started off with the RiverDogs loading the bases with one out down 1-0 to the Braves against pitcher Michael Swanner who relieved Tyler Brosius who only went two thirds of an inning after a line drive took him out of the game.
Miguel Andujar singled, Yeicok Calderon walked and Gosuke Katoh singled to put runners on for center fielder Brandon Thomas, who has been hot at the plate of late. Thomas came through and tied the game at 1-1 with a RBI single.
The next batter was designated hitter Kale Sumner and he launched a grand slam over the left field wall to give the Dogs a 5-1 lead that they would never relinquish. That blast was Sumner’s fourth home run of the year.
Chaz Hebert would get the win for Charleston in relief of starter Gabriel Encinas who only made it through three innings allowing one run. Hebert threw five innings of one run ball, striking out three and giving up four hits to pick up his third win of the season .
The RiverDogs got some insurance in the sixth inning as Michael O’Neill took the Braves deep for a two run home run, his 10th of the season. O’Neill was 3-for-4 at the dish with a stolen base, his 37th of the year showing he can do it all.
The RiverDogs (62-64) have their series finale with the Braves late Sunday afternoon as they throw Luis Niebla out there trying to get a series split on the weekend.
