The Charleston RiverDogs dropped Game Two of the Carolina League South Division Series 4-3 to the Hickory Crawdads in front of 4,727 fans at LP Frans Stadium on Tuesday night.
Hickory opened scoring in the top of the first when Kaden Carpenter demolished a two-run homer to right to push the Crawdads ahead 2-0. They added on another in the top of the fourth after Deward Tovar lined an RBI double to right to push their lead to three.
Crawdads starter Evan Siary was stellar, beginning the game with 5.1 perfect innings. After allowing a single to JD Gonzalez, the righty retired the next two to complete six-scoreless frames.
Jacob Kuhn was stout in relief for Charleston, delivering four innings of one-run ball while fanning four.
The RiverDogs rallied in the seventh, when Andreimi Antunez torched an RBI double down the left-field line.
After the Crawdads added on a run in the top of the eighth, Charleston grabbed one back when Cooper Flemming blasted an RBI double to right to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Despite a late push in the ninth, led by a Jack Lines RBI groundout, the RiverDogs fell short, falling 4-3.
With the loss, the series is even at one game apiece, setting up a win-or-take-all Game Three on Friday night at The Joe. Coverage will be available on the RiverDogs Broadcast Network at 6:50 with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m.
Ballpark Fun:
Game 2 on Thursday, September 10, brought another Thirsty Thursday to The Joe, with $1 beers and discounted drinks presented by Budweiser as the brand celebrated its 150th anniversary. The ballpark turned gold as Charleston rallied behind the RiverDogs in their pursuit of another championship, with the first 2,500 fans through the gates receiving a gold T-shirt thanks to Nucor Steel, Allegiance Flag Supply and Gildan. The night also featured a special C-17 flyover during the national anthem, to cap the ballpark’s special pregame ceremonies with a bang. Despite the RiverDogs’ loss, it was an unforgettable moment to the Game 2 festivities.