Aune Belts Walk-Off Homer in 12th, R'Dogs Shed 'Jackets 4-2
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston RiverDogs blew a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth, but came back to beat the Augusta GreenJackets 4-2 in 12 innings Monday night at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. The game was both the longest in time (4:03) and innings this season for Charleston.
The game traveled to the bottom of the 12th inning tied 2-2 and Chris Breen began the rally with a leadoff walk. He was lifted for the pinch runner Devyn Bolasky who advanced to second on a sac bunt by Connor Spencer and was in scoring position for Austin Aune.
The right fielder stepped in and on the first pitch of the at-bat hit a towering fly ball to left field that twisted towards the foul pole, but stayed just fair for a two-run walk-off home run. The blast was hotly contested by the GreenJackets (24-26), but the umpires got together and confirmed the call, giving the RiverDogs the 4-2, 12-inning win, much to the delight of many of the 2,769 fans that remained in attendance 'til the end.
Charleston (25-26) got the scoring going with one out in the third as Isaias Tejeda and Ryan Lindemuth hit singles to center. After a Vince Conde pop out, both runners took off from first and second. Angel Aguilar ripped a ground ball through the hole that opened on the right side of the infield, scoring Tejeda from second base.
The RiverDogs held onto their 1-0 lead until the top of the ninth. The GreenJackets had runners on first and third with one out. Monolo Reyes entered the game in relief of Rony Bautista, and Johneshwy Fargas grounded out on a slow roller to third base that scored Andrew Cain. The next batter, T. Relaford ripped a ground ball down the left field line to drive in Will Callaway and give Augusta their first lead of the game, 2-1.
Dustin Fowler led off the bottom of the ninth with a single on a ground ball to center. He advanced to second on a balk by Ramon Del Orbe and then took third on a passed ball. Chris Breen struck out looking for the first out. With the infield in, Connor Spencer hit a ground ball to short, and Fargas' throw home was not in time to beat Fowler sliding in safely to tie the game 2-2.
Augusta had runners in scoring position in the 10th, 11th, and 12th but failed to drive in the go-ahead run. The GreenJackets left 15 men on base Monday night and went 1-for-21 with runners in scoring position.
Jake McCasland (0-1) was tagged with the loss and Yoel Espinal (3-1) took home the win after tossing a scoreless 12th.
Jordan Foley started the game for the RiverDogs and got a no-decision in his second straight scoreless start. He held the GreenJackets to just three hits in a career-high six innings pitched. Foley threw five shutout innings against the Rome Braves in his last outing on May 26 but got a no-decision in that start as well.
BOX SCORE: http://atmilb.com/1KzNCwe
GAME HIGHLIGHTS: https://youtu.be/stIAHk52vpA
BALLPARK FUN: Monday Night Football provided a lot of entertainment for the fans at The Joe. The RiverDogs entered the field through an inflatable Charlie T. RiverDog head in right field as smoke shot up in the air. Recording country artist Drake White sang the National Anthem and was interviewed on the videoboard in between innings. Fans were also treated with extra innings at The Joe for the first time this season.
COMING UP: The RiverDogs continue their three-game series with the Augusta GreenJackets Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Charleston will send RHP Luis Cedeno (3-4, 2.57 ERA) to the mound against RHP Samuel Coonrod (1-1, 3.24 ERA) for the GreenJackets. You can watch the game on MiLB.tv or listen to the action on "The Big Talker" 1250 WTMA, WTMA.com, and RiverDogs.com.
Tuesday Date Night at The Joe. We will have a special emphasis on bringing your bros to the ballpark for Bromance Night as Tuesday's date night is an "Ode to the Bros". Leave your lady at home and bring your best bro out to the ballpark. "Brotivities" feature a secret handshake contest, a game of "Know Your Bro", and "What Would a Bro Do?" to help celebrate the occasion. On the main concourse, we will have our Miller Lite "Bro Zone" set up where bros can grab a beer, relax, play some cornhole, and enjoy the game. For every Tuesday home game this season, any duo of fans will receive a special 2-for-$20 deal at the box office. The promotion includes two tickets to the game, two tacos, two fountain drinks and one nacho tray all for $20.
-RIVERDOGS-