RiverDogs Champions of Inaugural Battle of the Palmetto State Rivalry Series against the Drive

CHARLESTON, SC - With five games remaining between the Charleston RiverDogs and Greenville Drive this season, a winner has already been determined for the inaugural Battle of the Palmetto State Rivalry Series that is presented by Spinx. The Rivalry Series trophy will be presented during an on-field ceremony before the RiverDogs' 7:05pm home game on Wednesday, August 27 against Greenville, and the trophy will reside in the Lowcountry for the next year as Charleston claims the inaugural title. The RiverDogs currently lead the 21-game season series, 12-4.

In addition, SS/2B Tyler Wade has been named the RiverDogs MVP and will take home the Larry Doby Award for his performances on the field. Greenville Drive starting pitcher Teddy Stankiewicz will receive the Jim Rice Award as the Drive's MVP of the in-state rivalry. Wade and Stankiewicz will receive their awards on the field during a ceremony prior to tonight's 7:05 game in Greenville between the Drive and the RiverDogs. Both awards were voted on by fans online.

Wade has played in 13 games against Greenville so far this season. The left-handed batter has hit a lofty .373 with three doubles, two triples, 12 RBI and three stolen bases. The 19-year old has also walked seven times.

Stankiewicz, a 20-year old right-handed pitcher, has turned in an impressive 1.64 ERA and 1-0 record in two starts against the RiverDogs. In 11 innings, Stankiewicz has allowed only seven hits, four walks and two runs while collecting eight strikeouts.

"We're excited and honored to be the winners of the inaugural Battle of the Palmetto State Rivalry Series presented by Spinx," said RiverDogs GM Dave Echols. "Greenville and Charleston have become natural rivals over the years in large part due to our close proximity to one another, but also because of the Yankees-Red Sox element with our respective parent clubs.

"This rivalry series is something fun for our players, coaches, staff and most importantly our fans," Echols added. "We were hoping to win it this year, and we're glad the trophy will be calling The Joe home for at least the next 12 months."

"There have been a number of memorable moments between the Drive and RiverDogs during the 2014 season, and we thank The Spinx Company for their partnership on the inaugural 'Battle of the Palmetto State' rivalry series," said Drive General Manager Eric Jarinko. "The cross-state rivalry between the two organizations has been enjoyable for everyone involved, and only intensifies due to being affiliates of the Red Sox and Yankees. The Drive congratulates the RiverDogs on being crowned the inaugural 'Battle of the Palmetto State' champion, but they shouldn't get too cozy with that trophy. We're confident it will call Fluor Field home following the 2015 season."

There are only three home games remaining before the RiverDogs' 2014 season comes to a close. Charleston will play host to their in-state rival Drive from Tuesday, August 26 through Thursday, August 28. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, visit the Riley Park Box Office, call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or head on-line to www.riverdogs.com. If fans cannot make it to the ballpark, they are encouraged to tune in to all the action this year both home and away worldwide on www.riverdogs.com and locally on 1250 WTMA, the radio home for RiverDogs baseball.

--RIVERDOGS--