The Charleston RiverDogs fell 8-5 in a tug-of-war battle with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in front of 3,618 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Saturday night.
Starter Luke Jackson was strong, fanning five hitters over two shutout innings. In the process, he evaded two lead-off extra-base hits without allowing a run.
The Cannon Ballers opened scoring with a four-run third before the RiverDogs responded in the bottom of the frame.
With one out, Andreimi Antunez lined an RBI triple to left and Alberth Palma grounded an RBI single to cut the deficit to 4-2.
In the bottom of the fourth, Angel Mateo pounded an RBI single to left to make it 4-3.
Kannapolis responded with a run in the fifth when Steven Lancia grounded an RBI single to left. The back-and-forth battle continued in the bottom of the inning when Antunez demolished a solo shot to left center to push the RiverDogs back within a run.
Kannapolis scored one more in the sixth, and the RiverDogs brought home another in the seventh when Cooper Flemming scored on a wild pitch. Kannapolis tacked on two more in the ninth to cap scoring at 8-5.
With the loss, the RiverDogs fell to 60-47 and 23-18 in the second half, while Kannapolis moved to 40-59, and 55-52 in the second half. The two return to the ballpark tomorrow for the series finale. First pitch is slated for 5:05 p.m. with coverage beginning at 4:50 on the RiverDogs Broadcast Network.
Let Freedom Bark
After clinching the Carolina League South first half title, the RiverDogs have secured a spot in the 2026 postseason, presented by Nucor Steel Berkeley. The best-of-three Division Series begins on Tuesday, September 8. Thanks to their first-half division title, the RiverDogs are guaranteed to host Game 2, and, if necessary, Game 3, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on September 10 and 11.
Season Ticket Holders can renew their 2026 package for 2027, to receive complimentary tickets to all home postseason games. All other fans can purchase an exclusive package that includes a ticket to all home playoff games and a guaranteed t-shirt for a limited time. Tickets are available here.
Ballpark Fun:
Fans stepped back in time for a night of medieval fun at Fortress Joe! The stadium was divided into rival factions, Team Blue and Team Gold, as fans cheered on the Charleston RiverDogs against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. Knight of the Blue flame came out victorious, for the first time in the event’s history. With King Charlie and Queen Chelsea presiding over the festivities, guests enjoyed medieval-themed contests, tested their strength in the cabbage toss, dressed in their best medieval costumes, and feasted on giant turkey legs. The night concluded with a post-game jersey auction, with all proceeds benefiting Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.