Charleston Exterminates Grasshoppers
GREENSBORO, NC - The Charleston RiverDogs got off to an early 6-0 and held off a furious rally by the Greensboro Grasshoppers to pull out an 8-5 victory and even the series at a game apiece on Thursday evening at NewBridge Bank Park in South Atlantic League action.
With the win, the RiverDogs improve to 13-11 in the second half and 52-40 overall. With the loss, the Grasshoppers drop to 13-13 in the second half and 46-49 overall.
The Charleston RiverDogs offense struck for four runs in the third inning that was capped off by a two-run homer by Dante Bichette, Jr, hi eighth of the season.
RiverDogs starter Cesar Vargas was dealing
Wednesday as he tossed three strong innings of no-hit ball while striking out one.
Unfortunately, then the rains came. After a 58-minute delay, the RiverDogs and Grasshoppers resumed play. Following the pause, it was a couple of uneventful fourth and fifth innings, but both offenses woke up in the sixth inning.
Reymond Nunez led off the sixth with a solo homer to give the 'Dogs a 5-0 cushion. After Nunez,
Offensively the RiverDogs were led by Angelo Gumbs,
RiverDogs starter Cesar Vargas combined with reliever James Pazos to toss five shutout no-hit innings. Pazos (3-1) picked up the win with his scoreless two frames of work. Tyler Webb relieved Pazos to start the sixth and struggled as he allowed five runs on four hits while striking out two and walking one. Ben Paullus was called upon to get the final six outs en route to his seventh save of the season.
The bottom of the sixth inning signified the Grasshoppers comeback.
The rubber match of this three game series against the Grasshoppers is scheduled for
7pm Friday at
--RIVERDOGS--