Despite a gutsy pitching performance, the Charleston RiverDogs fell 3-2 to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in front of 5,068 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Sunday night.
The Cannon Ballers opened scoring in the first inning Stiven Flores rolled an RBI single to left to make it 1-0.
In the second, Kannapolis doubled the lead when Jaden Fauske lined an RBI triple to right.
The RiverDogs began to chip away in the bottom of the third. With two outs, Slater de Brun lifted an RBI double to left to cut the deficit to 2-1.
After the Cannon Ballers added on another in the fourth, Taitn Gray grabbed a run back in the bottom of the frame, rolling an RBI single to center to cap scoring at 3-2.
Both sides traded scoreless frames throughout the remainder of the game, as four Cannon Ballers relievers combined for five one-hit innings.
Ethan Storm was stout in bulk relief, delivering five innings of two-run ball. Southpaws Bryce Shaffer and Yereny Teus also teamed up for three scoreless frames to complete the back third of the contest.
With the loss, the RiverDogs fell to 60-48 and 23-19 in the second half, while Kannapolis moved to 41-59, and 56-52 in the second half. After a day off on Monday, the RiverDogs begin a six-game road trip against the Augusta GreenJackets on Tuesday. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. with coverage beginning at 6:20 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:
There was barely a seat to be had at The Joe on Sunday night as over 5,000 fans filled the park. Those in attendance enjoyed a fun-filled day at the stadium as the team celebrated Larry Doby Day, the Cannon Street All-Stars, and the lasting impact of African-Americans in baseball. Before the game, four members of the historic Cannon Street All-Stars were honored in a special pre-game ceremony that brought the fans to his feet. The team took the field in throwback Negro League jerseys, while the first 100 fans received commemorative T-shirts honoring the Negro Leagues. Families also enjoyed free parking, kid-friendly activities, special promotions, and the chance to run the bases after the game.