RiverDogs Blanked, Issue Eight Walks in Homestand Opener

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Delmarva Shorebirds chased starting pitcher Deivi Garcia in the fifth inning after scoring five runs and drawing four walks, as the Charleston RiverDogs were shut out, 6-0, in front of 2,768 at Joe Riley Park to open a seven-game homestand on Wednesday night.
Garcia (1-3) struck out six Shorebirds (47-40, 12-8) in his 4 1/3 innings but allowed two home runs and struggled to find the strike zone in his shortest outing of the season. Both home runs came in the fifth, with Ryan Ripken's long ball being the final pitch from the 19-year-old. Despite being tagged for five runs, the Yankees' pre-season No. 16 prospect has struck out at least six batters in each of his first five outings with the Dogs.
On "Bullpenning Night," Charleston's (45-41, 12-6) relievers were counted on for 4 2/3 frames. Three relievers allowed just one run but threw four wild pitches, two each from Austin DeCarr and Anderson Severino. The Holy City staff issued a season-high eight walks, giving the Shorebirds plenty of free opportunities despite being outhit, 8-7, in the opener of the three-game set.

Offensively, seven RiverDogs collected hits, including a multi-hit night for second baseman Oswaldo Cabrera. Charleston hitters ran into DL Hall (1-5), the reigning SAL Pitcher of the Week, who delivered six innings of two-hit baseball with eight strikeouts.
Charleston has lost just three games this season by five or more runs and the first in nearly a month going back to a 6-1 defeat against Asheville.
Both teams entered play leading their respective divisions. Delmarva stayed at the top of the Northern Division while the RiverDogs still hold a half-game lead over the Asheville Tourists, who were postponed.
Ballpark Fun
It was "relieving" to see such a unique promotion as the RiverDogs hosted "Bullpenning Night" in conjunction with a "Way Back Wednesday." Charleston's innings-eaters were honored with a red-carpet introduction and in-game fine-dining service from Charlie T. RiverDog. Fittingly, the RiverDogs welcomed back reliever Dan Wheeler of the 1998 team. Wheeler played 13 MLB seasons and recorded the final out of the 2005 NLCS, sending the Houston Astros to their first World Series.
Upcoming
Game two is a 7:05 start on a Budweiser Thirsty Thursday presented by 95SX. Fans can enjoy dollar beers in the Budweiser Ashley View Pub and vibe to the beats of DJ Natty Heavy. It's also Buzzfeed Night, so call the box office, tell them who you are and where you'd like to sit, and the RiverDogs will totally know where you'll be for first pitch.
RiverDogs right-hander Jio Orozco (1-1, 3.05) will match up with fellow righty Jhon Peluffo (2-4, 6.82). Thursday's contest will be broadcast on "The Big Talker" WTMA 1250 AM with audio streaming live at riverdogs.com and the RiverDogs' TuneIn radio station, with live video available on MiLB.tv.
RiverDogs single-game tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign, the club's 25^th season as the RiverDogs and their "175^th season in dog years." Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.
--RIVERDOGS--