Toussaint Too Much, RiverDogs Fall 1-0 in Rain-Shortened Affair on the Fourth

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The RiverDogs were trailing the Rome Braves 1-0 after five innings when the skies opened up, causing the Fourth of July game to be completed early Saturday night in front of 7,044 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Rome (4-5 second half, 35-44 overall) wasted no time getting on the board. Ozhaino Albies led off the game with a bunt single and reached second on catcher Collin Slaybaugh's errant throw. Omar Obregon followed with a ground-rule double to bring Albies home.

The Braves held their 1-0 lead through the end of the fifth inning when the game was delayed and eventually called off. Touki Toussant (1-0) held the RiverDogs (4-6, 38-42) scoreless in his second start with Rome and only allowed one hit to Slaybaugh in the bottom of the second.

Matt Marsh (1-3) went five innings for Charleston and settled down after giving up the run early in the first. However, the game was completed early due to rain and Marsh ended up on the wrong side of the decision. The RiverDogs fall to 0-4 in July 4 home games since becoming an affiliate of the New York Yankees in 2005.

Independence Day Attendance at The Joe Since 2005:

2015 - 7,044 (July 4)

2014 - 7,792 (July 4)

2013 - 7,667 (July 3)
2012 - 7,192 (July 3)
2011 - 7,132 (July 4)
2010 - 7,536 (July 4)
2009 - 7,378 (July 3)
2008 - 7,019 (July 1)
2007 - 7,931 (July 3)
2006 - 8,257 (July 3)
2005 - 7,329 (July 3)

RAIN CHECK POLICY: Although the game was deemed official, the RiverDogs will honor tickets for tonight's game as rain checks. Fans with tickets for tonight's game that were inconvenienced by the weather will be able to use their ticket for another RiverDogs game of their choice. For any questions, or for more information, please call the RiverDogs ticket office at 843/577-3647 or log on to RiverDogs.com.

Remaining Fireworks Shows at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park:

Friday, July 10 - 7:05 p.m.

Friday, July 24 - 7:05 p.m.

Friday, August 7 - 7:05 p.m.

Friday, August 21 - 7:05 p.m.

Wedenesday, September 2 - 7:05 p.m.

BALLPARK FUN: The RiverDogs celebrated Independence Day in style. Many fans sported red, white, and blue attire and the team wore their red jerseys with special Fourth of July hats. Fans received American flags when they entered the ballpark and waved them throughout the game. Despite the lengthy rain delay, fans still showed passion and a large majority stuck around throughout the duration. The players, mascots, and RiverDogs staff members kept fans entertained during the delay, as there were many fun dance contests around the ballpark. Fireworks continued as originally planned over the scenic Ashley River to reward all the fans in attendance for their patience.

BOX SCORE: http://atmilb.com/1GYv71U

COMING UP: The RiverDogs continue their four-game home series against Rome Sunday at 5:05 p.m. Charleston will send RHP David Palladino (2-5, 3.77 ERA) to the mound against LHP Oriel Caicedo (2-3, 3.21 ERA) for the Braves. You can watch the game on MiLB.tv or listen to the action on "The Big Talker" 1250 WTMA, WTMA.com, and RiverDogs.com.

Venture to the park early and give blood during the American Red Cross blood drive, and anyone who donates blood then will receive a free ticket to the game. The blood drive begins at 12 noon and ends at 5 pm. Every Sunday at The Joe is a Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission Kids Club Sunday, presented by Y102.5. Parking is free and kids 12-and-under eat free courtesy of Pepsi. The youngsters will receive a coupon for a hot dog, fountain drink and chips. All members of the RiverDogs Kids Club receive free admission to every Family Sunday Game. The RiverDogs Kids Club, known as the RiverPups, is free to join and open to all kids 12-and-under. Stick around after the game and receive free autographs on the field from all of your favorite RiverDogs players and coaches.

-RIVERDOGS-