Opening Day Closed Down by Lightning, Rain
The contest will be resumed as part of a Friday, May 18 doubleheader in Charleston.
The game was stopped in the bottom of the first inning with Rome leading, 1-0, and the RiverDogs threatening.
Rome's Elmer Reyes slapped a leadoff triple to left-center off Charleston starter Will Oliver. After a pair of strikeouts and a walk to Edison Sanchez, the Braves successfully executed a double steal. Reyes took off for second, and when catcher Gary Sanchez attempted to nail him, Reyes raced home and beat the throw from shortstop Cito Culver to put the Braves in front.
The RiverDogs appeared poised to tie the game in their half of the first inning. Mason Williams laced a pitch to center and sprinted for a triple. The umpires then stopped the game due to lightning, and rain which began shortly thereafter eventually forced the suspension.
Fans holding ticrkets for this game may exchange them for tickets of equal or lesser value to any remaining 2012 RiverDogs regular season home game.
BALLPARK FUN: Before the game fans were treated to the Cirque du Solei-style acrobatics of The Wonderson Duo. There were also many street performers on the field before the game and throughout the park during the game. The first 4,000 fans received a free magnet schedule that included a RiverDogs car magnet. Fans were also excited for the first Budweiser Thirsty Thursday of the year.
COMING UP: Game 2 of this four-game block is set for Friday night with Charleston sending righthander Jose Campos (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to the hill while Rome is slated to throw righty David Filak (0-0, 0.00 ERA). It is the first Piggly Wiggly Postgame Fireworks Show of the season as well as General Dynamics Red Shirt Friday where fans who wear red to the game will receive $1 off their ticket. Fans can then donate that dollar to a military family in need courtesy of 103.5 FM WEZL.