Outfielder Brailer Guerrero launched his first home run of the season, and starter Jacob Kmatz delivered six scoreless innings as the Charleston RiverDogs edged the Columbia Fireflies 3-2 on Sunday evening in front of 3,432 fans at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.
With the victory, the RiverDogs improved to 15-18 on the season and secured a commanding 5-1 series win over their in-state rivals.
In the bottom of the third inning, Narciso Polanco continued his hot streak and smoked a solo homer in his second straight game to break the deadlock and give the RiverDogs a 1-0 lead.
Kmatz faced the minimum through five innings and only gave up three singles in his six innings. The effort marks the second time this season the right-hander has pitched six full frames.
In the sixth, Polanco forced a two-base throwing error on a bunt. That set up Guerrero’s homer, which he lofted over the right field wall to push the lead to 3-0.
The RiverDogs needed the cushion, as Columbia responded with Kmatz out of the game in the seventh. Brennon McNair and Colton Becker lashed back-to-back RBI doubles to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The scoring ended there. Noah Beal worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning and Andy Rodriguez nailed down the save in the ninth to put the cherry on top of Charleston’s successful week.
Ballpark Fun: Tonight was Minecraft Movie Night at The Joe, to celebrate the famous film based off of the world’s most popular video game. The first 650 fans received a Minecraft themed hat with a “creeper” on it. Many viral memes and moments from the movie were teased on the videoboard, particularly the “Chicken Jockey” scene, much to the excitement of the younger fans in the stands. Many mothers and grandmothers were in attendance with their families and friends to celebrate Mother’s Day. As always, kids ran the bases after the game.
The RiverDogs are back in action on Tuesday, May 13th, against the Salem Red Sox to kick off another six-game homestand. First pitch is set for 7:05pm. All dogs are welcome at the park for Dog Day Tuesday, presented by Twisted Tea.