Dogs Offense Remains Cold as Charleston Falls in Finale

CHARLESTON, S.C. - An early offensive strike from the Intimidators was too much for Charleston to overcome in the end, as the Dogs fell to Kannapolis 5-2 in the series finale in front of 4,829 at Joe Riley Park Sunday night.
With their playoff hopes on life support, Charleston (67-65, 30-32) needed to break out of the offensive funk the club has been mired in the past few games. With only two runs scored Sunday night, Charleston has now been held to just eight runs in their last 52 innings since the four-run first frame against the West Virginia Power August 20. The loss, coupled with the Asheville Tourists 7-6 comeback victory over the Greenville Drive, puts the RiverDogs five games back of the Rockies affiliate with eight games to play.
The Intimidators (59-71, 31-31) jumped on starter Harold Cortijo (4-4, 3.48) quickly in the series finale. Lenyn Sosa drew a free pass in the top of the first inning, one that Cortijo was able to work around before again running into trouble in the second. A pair of walks, contributing to a total of three on the night for Cortijo, came back to haunt the Charleston righty. Corey Zangari drew a free pass to lead off the inning, and Ramon Beltre did the same with one out. Gunnar Troutwine stepped to the plate next, lining a double down the left field line that plated both Kannapolis runners and staking the Intimidators to an early 2-0 lead.
The RiverDogs answered the White Sox affiliate's runs with one of their own in the bottom of the third, when the Holy City was able to take advantage of a one-out single by Frederick Cuevas.
It was Brandon Lockridge's turn against Davis Martin (8-9, 5.06), and he lined an 0-1 offering over Tyler Osik's head in left field. Cuevas was able to score easily on the Troy product's 32^rd double of the season.
Martin didn't let the double break his rhythm, retiring 11 of the next 15 hitters en route to finishing seven innings for the third time this season. He faced the minimum in four of his seven innings and allowed just the single tally on six hits.
Kannapolis nicked Cortijo for two more in the top of the fifth inning, on a two-run homer from Alex Destino, his second home run in the series. It was also the second time he reached the batter's eye in straightaway center field, and now 12 of his 16 long balls have come since the All-Star Break.
Tim Hardy relieved Cortijo in the sixth and held Kannapolis off the board until an RBI single from Lenyn Sosa, one of two on the night for the center fielder, plated Ian Dawkins reached on one of his two doubles.
Lockridge smacked his second double of the game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, giving him 33 on the season and the most two-baggers since Isiah Gilliam's 33 for the Holy City in 2017.
The Dogs rallied for a run in the bottom of the ninth, on an RBI single from Eric Wagaman's first hit since August 17, breaking an 0-for-24 slump, but couldn't complete the comeback. Welfrin Mateo and Cuevas both fanned representing the tying run to end the contest.
Ballpark Fun
In keeping with another MUSC Health Family Sunday down at The Joe, those who drove to the game were able to park their cars for free, and members of the MUSC Children's Health Kids Club (12 years old and younger) were allowed in the park free of charge. The kids enjoyed free food throughout the evening, and after the game they stormed the field and ran the bases. The RiverDogs also recognized and honored its strong Jewish history, as well as those in attendance who are a part of the Jewish Community, for Jewish Heritage Night. Kosher food options were available on Doby's Deck, and discounted ticket options were up for grabs as well. To top it all off, the first 500 kids through the gates received replica pirate hats in order to look the part as part of Pirate Night at the ballpark. Pirate actors were seen throughout the ballpark as well, available to take pictures with the kids to complete their day.

Upcoming
After wrapping up the homestand, Charleston will head back to Asheville, North Carolina for the second time in August to kick off another crucial four-game set against the Tourists. The Dogs lost three of the first four games to the Rockies affiliate this month, and will desperately need to return to Riley Park with some wins in order to stay relevant in the playoff chase. Roansy Contreras (10-5, 3.59) will start the series opener for Charleston, facing Asheville for the third time this season. In his previous two outings, he has allowed just a single run in 12 innings, whiffing nine Tourists in the process. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Monday night from McCormick Field.
Catch the game on WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area and online streaming on the TuneIn Radio app. Fans can "Make Fun" with the RiverDogs all season long down at The Joe. Single-game tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are available at riverdogs.com/tickets or by contacting the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS). A full schedule and list of game times for the 2019 season are available at riverdogs.com.
--RIVERDOGS--