Myrtle Beach, SC – Led by a five-run third and strong pitching, the Charleston RiverDogs surged to an 9-1 win over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Friday night at Pelicans Ballpark.
In the first inning, Cooper Flemming lined a single to left to collect his 100th hit of the season. With the hit, he became the first RiverDog to record 100 knocks in a season since 2024 and the 11th Single-A player to reach the milestone this year.
He also became the sixth player in RiverDogs history (since at least 2005) to record 100 hits and 30 extra-base hits through the club's first 100 games. He's the first to accomplish the feat since 2010 and reached it in fewer games than any of the previous five.
The RiverDogs opened scoring with two outs in the top of the fifth when Brendan Summerhill blasted a three-run double to the right-field corner. Later in the frame, Alberth Palma and Dean Moss added on runs with consecutive RBI singles to make it 5-0.
After the Pelicans grabbed a run back in the bottom of the fourth, the RiverDogs threatened again in the top of the fifth, loading the bases for JD Gonzalez who dropped in an RBI single to center to push the lead to 6-1.
Later in the frame, Slater de Brun drove in his first run at the Single-A level with an infield single that scored Alberth Palma from third. de Brun also finished the night with three stolen bases.
Flemming followed by drawing a bases loaded walk to force home another and extend Charleston’s lead to 8-1.
The RiverDogs struck for one more in the eighth and four more in the ninth, capping score at 13-1.
In the process, Ryan Cermak blasted a two-run homer to left, earning him his fifth of his rehab stint including his time in the Florida Complex League.
Aidan Haugh, Trendan Parish and Efrailin Ramos each contributed three innings each, combining to allow just one run. Ramos earned his first Single-A save after his scoreless effort.
With the win, the RiverDogs moved to 57-43 and 20-14 in the second half, while Myrtle Beach fell to 39-59, and 12-22 in the second half. The two return to the ballpark tomorrow for game five 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.
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.