Two-out rally in 9th sinks R'Dogs

Rome's Shayne Moody slapped a two-run single down the left-field line in the ninth to lift the Braves to a 5-4 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs in front of 3,032 fans at Riley Park on Wednesday night.

With Charleston ahead 4-3 in the ninth, RiverDogs closer Jeff Williams (1-2) retired the first two batters before back-to-back singles by Derek Wiley and Kuyaunnis Miles. Ryan Barba was hit by a pitch to load the bases, setting the stage for Moody's clutch hit.

Matthew Small worked a perfect ninth for the Braves (27-29 second half, 62-64 overall) to earn his fifth save of the season.

The RiverDogs' bid for a second straight comeback victory fell short. After falling behind 3-0, Charleston (26-30, 64-62) knotted the score in the fifth after back-to-back doubles by Jeff Farnham and Jose Pirela, followed by a two-run homer from Abraham Almonte.

Almonte, who extended his hitting streak to 17 games, gave the RiverDogs a 4-3 lead in the seventh on a bloop single off reliever Angelo Paulino (6-4).

Rome nearly tied the score in the eighth, but Almonte threw out Adam Milligan at home.

Ballpark fun

Representatives from the various branches of the Armed Forces enjoyed friendly tug-of-war competition. In addition, Force Protection, Inc., donated $25,000 to the Medal of Honor Convention and $10,000 to the Lowcountry Honor Flight.

Coming up

Right-hander Brandon Braboy (3-5, 4.14 ERA) is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. today for Charleston. Rome counters with right-hander Randall Delgado (4-9, 4.61 ERA). Today is "Thirsty Thursday" with drink specials. It is also Cougar Night as the RiverDogs celebrate the students' return to school in addition to a salute to the older women who have an affinity for younger men.