Despite a late comeback bid, the Charleston RiverDogs fell 4-3 to the Hill City Howlers on Wednesday night in front of 3,139 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
Hill City opened scoring in the second when Yeiferth Castillo lined an RBI single to right to push to make it 1-0. Later in the frame, Jhorvic Abreus blasted an RBI triple off the wall in right double the lead 2-0.
The Howlers added on another in the top of the fourth to push the lead to 3-0, before Charleston struck for the first time.
In the bottom of the sixth, Brody Donay belted a solo shot off the batter’s eye in the center to cut the lead to two. The ball left his bat at 105 miles per hour and marked his fourth of the season.
After Slater de Brun scored from third on a wild pitch, Taitn Gray lashed an RBI single to center to cut the deficit to one run. Gray has recorded five runs batted in in the opening two games of the series.
Despite a late rally, the RiverDogs’ comeback bid fell short, evening the series at a game apiece.
2026 first-round pick Grady Emerson made his professional debut, going 0-for-3 with a walk.
With the loss, the RiverDogs fell to 64-52 and 27-23 in the second half, while Hill City moved to 50-65, and 19-31 in the second half. The two return to the Joe tomorrow for game three of the series. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. with coverage beginning at 6:50 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.
Single-game postseason tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit RiverDogs.com.
Ballpark Fun:
Fans came together to enjoy the Game of Give, where the RiverDogs celebrated volunteers and their commitment to giving back to the community. The first 500 fans received special RiverDogs T-shirts, making the night even more exciting. Those in attendance also took home mystery bags that featured fun ballpark items from throughout the year. Fans also enjoyed Wiener Wednesday, with two hot dogs for just 50 cents, while taking in an exciting ballgame.