Despite a big first inning, the Charleston RiverDogs fell 7-5 to the Augusta GreenJackets infront of 4,824 fans at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
Augusta jumped on the board first, scoring three runs, highlighted by a two-run single from Dallas Macias.
The RiverDogs rallied back immediately in the bottom of the first. After the first three hitters reached to load the bases, Brady Marget drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 3-1.
The next hitter was Larry Martinez who lined an RBI single to center that cut the deficit to one. Angel Mateo and JD Gonzalez followed with back-to-back ground outs that brought home two more to give Charleston a 4-3 lead.
In the top of the second, the back-and-forth contest continued when Alex Lodise chopped an RBI groundout to short that evened the score at 4-4.
The GreenJackets later took a 5-4 lead in the top of the third when Tanner Smith lined an RBI single to left.
Both sides exchanged scoreless frames through the sixth until Augusta added on one more in the seventh.
In the bottom of the same frame, Nicandro Aybar singled and scored from first on an errant pickoff attempt to cut the deficit to 6-5.
In the top of the ninth, Smith powered a solo shot to left that capped scoring at 7-5.
With the loss, the RiverDogs fell to 41-33 and 4-4 in the second half, while Augusta moved to 41-33, and 6-2 in the second half. The two return to The Joe tomorrow for the series finale with first pitch slated for 5:35 p.m. Coverage begins at 5:20 on the RiverDogs Broadcast Network.
Ballpark Fun:
The Joe got an early start on celebrating the Fourth of July with Yankee Doodle Warm Up. Fans filled the ballpark wearing plenty of red, white, and blue, and the patriotic theme carried throughout the night with fun America themed promotions and plenty of holiday spirit.
After the final out, everyone looked to the sky for one of the biggest traditions of the season. The postgame fireworks marked the biggest of the season, and the show lit up the Charleston night and gave fans the perfect start to their Independence Day weekend. Between the packed crowd, festive atmosphere, and fireworks, it was another great Saturday night at The Joe.
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.