31 and counting for Hilligoss

Mitch Hilligoss did not take long to extend his Minor League season-high hitting streak to 31 games Friday as the Charleston RiverDogs rolled past the Rome Braves, 7-1.

After grounding out to third base in the opening inning, the 21-year-old leadoff hitter delivered a two-out RBI double to cap a three-run second for the RiverDogs (25-23). Hilligoss also singled and scored in the fourth but flied out to left field in the sixth.

He was lifted in the seventh for pinch-hitter Luis Nunez, who also flied out.

Hilligoss is hitting .372 (48-for-129) during the streak with 10 doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs.

Josue Calzado went 4-for-5 and Christopher Malec was 3-for-4 to pace the RiverDogs' 18-hit attack. They drove in two runs apiece, while Seth Fortenberry and Christopher Kunda each plated one.

Charleston starter John Axford gave up one hit, struck out two and walked three over three scoreless innings. David Robertson (3-2) kept the shutout intact with two hitless frames, fanning three and walking one.

Willie Cabrera plated the lone run for the Braves (16-31) with a forceout in the sixth.

Rome starter Timothy Gustafson (1-3) surrendered five runs on 10 hits over four innings with three strikeouts and a pair of walks.