Tourists sweep RiverDogs in doubleheader

A solo homer by Jared Simon in the top of the 10th inning gave the Asheville Tourists a 6-5 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs in the second game of a doubleheader at Riley Park on Sunday.

The Tourists won the first game, 9-0, behind a complete- game shutout by starting pitcher Tyler Anderson.

Philip Wetherell (4-5) and Anderson (9-2) both began the first game with two scoreless innings, but Wetherell yielded the game’s first runs in the third. Tyler Massey opened the scoring with an RBI double and, after a single, Harold Riggins doubled in another run. Taylor Featherston then struck the big blow, dropping a two-run single into right field to stake the Tourists to a 4-0 lead.

Asheville blew the game open in the seventh, scoring five times to extend the lead to 9-0.

In Game 2, Asheville (67-40, 20-17) immediately got on the board with three in the first. Consecutive RBI doubles by Riggins and Taylor Featherston accounted for the first two runs and a David Kandilas RBI single capped the early rally.

Eduardo Sosa quickly got the RiverDogs (56-48, 17-20) to within two runs when he led off the bottom of the first with his first home run of the year. Story responded with a solo shot of his own to restore the Tourists to a three- run lead.

In the third, Charleston’s offense came alive and the RiverDogs took their first lead of the day. Singles by Cody Grice and Sosa and a walk to Cito Culver loaded the bases with one out, bringing up Tyson Blaser. He took full advantage of the opportunity, launching his first professional home run over the wall in right-center. The RiverDogs’ fifth grand slam of the year put them ahead 5-4.

That score still stood heading into the top of the seventh, but, with two outs, an RBI double by Featherston tied the game for Asheville.

Geoff Parker (3-3) pitched three scoreless innings of relief and Jefri Hernandez got the last three outs for his 16th save.

Ballpark fun
Gullah/Geechee Heritage Night took place, celebrating the history and traditions of this great culture. A few Star Wars enthusiasts dressed as stormtroopers were on hand, throwing out the first pitch and taking pictures with fans throughout the evening.

Coming up
The RiverDogs hit the road for eight games starting with four in Greenville. RHP Scottie Allen (3-7, 4.72 ERA) will start against RHP Jason Garcia (5-5, 6.42 ERA) today in a 7:05 p.m start.