Late Suns Rally Claims Four-Game Series against Rainbows

August 13, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston RiverDogs News Release

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Rainbows took a two-run lead into the eighth inning on Monday night, but the Hagerstown Suns rallied for three against Dalton Higgins in the final two frames to win the four-game series, 4-3, in front of 5,246 at Joe Riley Park.

The Suns (47-69, 19-28) trailed 3-1 after seven innings, but first baseman Jake Scudder cut the lead to one with a two-out home run off Higgins (5-4) in the eighth. Hagerstown shortstop Juan Pascal gave the Suns the lead with a two-run single roped to left field. The Rainbows went down in order in the ninth, earning Jhonatan German (1-1) his first victory for three relief innings.

Charleston (54-63, 21-28) took a 2-1 lead in the third inning on designated hitter Dermis Garcia's two-run double off the top of the left field scoreboard which scored third baseman Welfrin Mateo and left fielder Carlos Vidal.

The Rainbows added an insurance tally in the seventh when Vidal hit a slow chopper to the right side, allowing catcher Eduardo Navas to beat the force out at the plate for Charleston's third run. With the bases still loaded, second baseman Oswaldo Cabrera bounced into his team-leading 15th double-play to end the inning.

Charleston totaled three hits on Monday, tied for the second-fewest in a single game this season.

Rainbows starter Nolan Martinez was removed after four innings of one-run baseball, and right-hander Alexander Vargas delivered the next three frames scoreless with two hits. Vargas was in line for his fourth win until Hagerstown took its first lead in the ninth. Holy City starters have a 2.48 ERA over the last 11 outings, but Charleston is 4-7 in those contests.

Charleston was 41-5 when leading after seven innings entering Saturday's game two but relinquished eighth inning leads in two of the final three games against Hagerstown.

Charleston closed out the homestand 2-5 with the third straight loss. Since starting a league-best 12-4 in the second-half, the Holy City has gone a SAL-worst 9-24, falling to sixth of seven in the Southern Division.

Ballpark Fun

The Rainbows celebrated inclusivity and equality on Rainbows Pride Night down at The Joe while donning the uniforms of the former San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers affiliate from 1985-1993. Charleston welcomed guests from the LGTQIA+ community on a night presented by MUSC Health.

Upcoming

Charleston is off on Tuesday before beginning a three-game set with the Delmarva Shorebirds on Wednesday at 7:05 from Perdue Stadium. RiverDogs right-hander Miguel Yajure (4-2, 3.30) gets the nod against southpaw Brandon Bonilla (0-1, 2.57), and the series opener can be heard on "The Big Talker" WTMA 1250 AM with streaming live at riverdogs.com and the RiverDogs' TuneIn radio station .

RiverDogs single-game tickets, including options to the Riley Park Club, are available for the remainder of the 2018 campaign, the club's 25th season as the RiverDogs and their "175th season in dog years." Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Charleston Rainbows third baseman Welfrin Mateo (Jeremy Schrank)

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 13, 2018

• Late Firefly Push Force 'Birds into Split - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Miranda's Magical Night Lifts Fireflies to 8-7 Win - Columbia Fireflies
• Pascal Lifts Suns to 4-3 Victory in Ninth - Hagerstown Suns
• Three-Run Ninth Not Enough in Series Loss - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Intimidators Lose Eighth-Straight in Lexington - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• GreenJackets Go Full Throttle over Drive - Augusta GreenJackets
• Late Suns Rally Claims Four-Game Series against Rainbows - Charleston RiverDogs
• GreenJackets Shut Down Drive in Series Finale - Greenville Drive
• Almonte Walks It Off, Braves Win 5-4 - Rome Emperors
• Legends Complete Sweep of Intimidators in 3-1 Victory - Lexington Legends
• Fireflies Roster Move and Game Notes: August 13 vs. Delmarva (Game 116) - Columbia Fireflies
• West Virginia Power: Game Notes (August 13) - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Late Rally Not Enough as 'Dads Lose 6-4 - Hickory Crawdads
• Golden, Tourists Complete Series Sweep - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• Asheville Completes Sweep in Convincing Fashion - Asheville Tourists
• Rangel Named SAL Pitcher of the Week - Rome Emperors
• Suns Win Second Straight on Sunday Night - Hagerstown Suns

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