After erasing a three-run deficit in the ninth, the Charleston RiverDogs earned a thrilling 8-7 walk-off win in ten innings, in front of 3,325 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
The walk-off victory marked Charleston’s 12th of the year, their most in a single-season since at least 2005. Charleston ranks only behind Wilson (13) for the most walk-off victories in Minor League Baseball this year.
After Hill City struck first in the top of the first, the RiverDogs responded loudly when Cooper Flemming blasted a two-run homer to right to make it 2-1. The homer marked his tenth of the season, and first against in the left hander.
After a Tom Poole sacrifice fly extended the lead to two, Angel Mateo blasted a solo shot to left to push the lead to 4-1.
In the top of the third, the Howlers rallied for six runs before both pitching staffs settled in.
Jeremy Pilon was dominant in relief, tossing three scoreless frames while fanning seven to match a season-high mark.
Trailing 7-4 the bottom of the ninth, Charleston rallied when Andreimi Antunez lined an RBI triple to left center and Flemming drove him in with a sacrifice fly.
Down to their final out and strike, Taitn Gray belted an opposite-field homer to left that knotted the game at 7-7.
In the bottom of the tenth, Alberth Palma lined a walk-off single to left to score Dean Moss and win it 8-7.
With the win, the RiverDogs fell to 65-52 and 28-23 in the second half, while Hill City fell to 50-66, and 19-32 in the second half. The two return to the Joe tomorrow for game four 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:
The ballpark was full of fun and excitement as fans celebrated Augtober with beers, brats, pretzels, and plenty of festive cheer. The night also featured dollar beers, DJs, and the famous cup snakes during Thirsty Thursday, creating an electric atmosphere from the moment the gates opened. With happy hour drink specials, great food, and nonstop entertainment, it was an unforgettable night at the Joe. A large group of gentlemen stole the show, participating in the ‘tarps off’ trend behind home plate, creating a rowdy, rambunctious and electrifying atmosphere.