Sold-Out “Joe” Roars, but RiverDogs Fall 15-0 in Opener

Sold-Out “Joe” Roars, but RiverDogs Fall 15-0 in Opener

Charleston, S.C. – The Charleston RiverDogs fell 15-0 to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Thursday night in front of 5,972 fans at Joesph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark.

After pushing across a run in the top of the first, Myrtle Beach added on in the top of the second when Josiah Hartshorn rolled an RBI single to right that doubled their lead to 2-0.

The next hitter was Cole Mathis, who blasted a three-run home run to left field that broke the game open and made it 5-0.

Later in the frame, Derniche Valdez lined a two-run triple to left center, capping a six-run frame that extended the Myrtle Beach advantage to seven runs.

The Pelicans added four more runs in the fourth and eighth innings, capping scoring at 15-0. The game was called after the top of the eighth due to inclement weather that caused unplayable field conditions.

Myrtle Beach starter Dominick Reid challenged RiverDogs hitters, twirling four shutout innings while allowing just two hits.

Despite the shutout, Charleston made their hits count as four of the five went for extra bases, including the first professional hits of Cooper Flemming (double) and Taitn Gray (double).

Right hander Dylan Lesko was stout out of the pen, tossing 1.2 scoreless frames.

With the loss, Charleston falls to 0-1 while Myrtle Beach moves to 1-0. The two return to diamond tomorrow for game two of the series at The Joe.

Enjoy the first Boeing Red Shirt Friday of the season as RiverDog players debut their new 250th Anniversary red, white, and blue specialty jerseys, while the first 1,000 fans will take home an inverted version of the uniform in t-shirt form. All fans can enjoy a postgame fireworks show presented by REV Federal Credit Union.

First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. with coverage beginning at 6:50 p.m. on the RiverDogs Broadcast Network.

Ballpark Fun: Opening Night pageantry was on full display Thursday night as the RiverDogs made their grand entrance before a capacity crowd, arriving parade-style in red, white and blue trucks. Despite the outcome on the field, the energy inside the ballpark never wavered. Fans remained loud and engaged throughout the night, filling each inning break with sing-alongs to ballpark classics and dancing in the stands.

The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and three-time Carolina League Champions. The RiverDogs play their home games at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, a Charleston staple since 1997.

2026 single game tickets are on sale now at RiverDogs.com. Beyond baseball, the RiverDogs host year-round events in the climate-controlled Segra Club. Active members of the Lowcountry community, the RiverDogs were named the winner of the 2025 'MiLB Together Award,' which recognizes a team for outstanding commitment to charitable service in their community.

Team merchandise is always available at the RiverDogs Team Store. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.