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Feliz Flaunts Power Stroke to lead 'Dogs

July 20, 2011
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CHARLESTON, S.C. - Anderson Feliz went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run to lead the Charleston RiverDogs past the Lexington Legends, 6-5, in South Atlantic League action Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 5,133 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

 

Charleston upped its mark to 12-14 this half and 38-58 overall with the victory, while Lexington fell to 10-16 and 45-51.

 

Lexington plated two unearned markers to take a 2-0 lead against Charleston starter Jose A. Ramirez (5-3) in the top of the first.

 

Delino DeShields, Jr. looped a soft liner into right field for a single, and moved all the way to third on a two-base fielding error by RiverDogs' right fielder Taylor Grote. Jay Austin then reached on a fielding error by Feliz at second base, enabling DeShields to scamper home with the contest's first run. Ben Heath piled on with two outs, hammering a RBI double into the left-field corner to drive home Austin.

 

Another unearned tally upped the Legends' lead to 3-0 in the top of the second. Emilio King grounded a single into left field, advanced to second on a single by Jhonny Medrano, and moved up to third on a miscue by Grote. DeShields then stepped in next, and lifted a sacrifice fly to centerfield.

 

Charleston pieced together a walk and two singles to load the bases versus Lexington hurler Mike Foltynewicz (5-8) in the bottom half of the second. The 2010 first rounder battled through, however, fanning the next two batters to escape the frame unscathed.

 

Foltynewicz navigated the third inning fairly easily, but was tagged for four runs in the fourth as the RiverDogs forged a 4-3 advantage.

 

Grote and Feliz singled to start the rally, but stayed put until two outs when Eduardo Sosa lined a single to centerfield to fill the sacks once more. Ramon Flores then played the role of run producer, drilling a triple to the right-centerfield fence to clear the bases. A throwing error by Austin allowed Flores to scamper home himself, moving the RiverDogs into the lead.

 

Charleston defeated Foltynewicz in the season opener, and gave the 19-year old problems once again. Foltynewicz yielded the four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks, while notching three punch outs.

 

Feliz played a supporting role during the four-run fourth, but then assumed the lead role in the fifth. The switch-hitting second baseman scalded a line-drive two-run shot over the left-centerfield wall for his fifth home run of the campaign and a 6-3 RiverDogs cushion.

 

Lexington took a chunk of its deficit in the sixth, drawing within 6-5 by compiling two runs on three base knocks.

 

Tyler Burnett got the line moving with a line drive double, crossed to third on a groundout and came down the line to score on Ben Orloff's RBI double. DeShields then inched the Legends to 6-5 with a RBI single on a groundball through the originator.

 

Ramirez authored 6.0 innings, permitting the five runs (two earned) on ten hits and a walk, while sprinkling in seven strikeouts.

 

Charleston's bullpen then slammed the door shut with three frames of scoreless relief work to secure the series-opening victory. Tommy Kahnle bounced back from a rough outing to pen 2.0 shutout frames while striking out four, and Mark Montgomery registered his sixth save of the year by working around two hits in the ninth.

 

--RIVERDOGS--

 

BALLPARK FUN:  Prior to the game, the RiverDogs were proud to play host to the opening ceremony of the USSSA Youth Baseball Tournament, which is set to take place throughout the Lowcountry. The RiverDogs' "Build Your Own Hot Dog" theme filled the needs of hungry fans on Ballpark Buffet Wednesday.  For $20, fans were treated to an all-you-can-eat menu of hot dogs, accompanied by 8-10 toppings, potato salad, baked beans, chips and all-you-can-drink (beer included).  Among the dignitaries in attendance was Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner, who was a General Manager in the South Atlantic League during the 1982 season. O'Conner delivered the keynote by throwing a strike for the first pitch. Thanks to Pepsi, Seniors Eat Free allowed our most senior fans 65 and older to enjoy a free hot dog, soda and chips.

 

UP NEXT: The RiverDogs and Legends square off in the middle contest of their three-game set on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Zach Nuding (6-6, 4.58 ERA) is slated to take the ball for Charleston, versus fellow righty Ruben Alaniz (5-7, 4.74 ERA) of Lexington.

 

In addition to the always eventful Budweiser Thirsty Thursday activities, the RiverDogs will also host the 9th annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Night. Area attorneys will receive credit hours by taking in a presentation from South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal, before enjoying a pregame picnic before Charleston entertains Lexington. Make The Joe your destination to begin the weekend, with $1 beers in the Ashley View Pub and fresh music courtesy of the stylings of DJ Natty Heavy. Kelly G from 95 SX's hit show Two Guys and a Girl will also be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and mingle with fans throughout the night.