CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The Charleston RiverDogs’ offense struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, resulting in a 3-0 loss to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Thursday night at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
The defeat, witnessed by 4,916 fans, ended the RiverDogs’ four-game winning streak and left them 3.5 games behind the first-place Pelicans.
Myrtle Beach took an early lead in the second inning when Angel Cepeda’s ground ball allowed Matt Halbach to score. The Pelicans extended their advantage in the fourth inning. Halbach nearly hit a home run, but the ball bounced off the scoreboard for a double. Eli Lovich’s single and a fumble by Ryan McCoy allowed Halbach to score again, making it 2-0.
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Walker Powell, making a rehab start for the Pelicans, dominated the RiverDogs with five shutout innings, allowing two walks and striking out two. RiverDogs pitcher Ryan Andrade delivered a strong performance, finishing with six innings, one earned run, and three strikeouts.
In the seventh inning, a wild pitch from Dylan Lesko allowed the Pelicans to score their third run. Despite loading the bases in both the seventh and ninth innings, the RiverDogs failed to score, going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Myrtle Beach reliever Ethan Bell secured the win by ending the game with a strikeout and a double play.
The evening featured “Thirsty Thursday” festivities, with hundreds of Miss All American pageant contestants participating in various activities, including throwing out the first pitch and joining in trivia games. A humorous competition among three fathers showcasing their runway walks entertained the crowd.
The series continues Friday night at 7:05 p.m. with “Fireworks Friday” presented by REV Federal Credit Union. Tickets are available at RiverDogs.com, with options for an upgraded experience in the Segra Club.
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