Charleston RiverDogs announce opening day roster

The Charleston RiverDogs, the New York Yankees’ Low Class A affiliate, will have nine of the organization’s top 20 prospects, according to mlb.com.

Shortstop Cito Culver and third baseman Dante Bichette Jr., the Yankees’ last two top draft picks, headline the roster along with outfielder Mason Williams, the top player in the New York-Penn League last season.

Seven players return from last season, including catcher Gary Sanchez, who hit 17 homers with 52 RBIs last season.

The RiverDogs, with first-year manager Carlos Mendoza, begin the 2012 season at home Thursday against Rome.

Softball
College of Charleston swept a Southern Conference doubleheader with Appalachian State with 7-3 and 6-0 victories.

Coach Shelly Hoerner earned her 200th win with the Cougars (20-13, 7-4).

Carly Corthell homered and had three steals in the second game.

Jennifer Giles delivered 61/3 innings of shutout relief and Megan Lombard clubbed a decisive home run in the sixth inning as Charleston Southern (20-16, 5-3 Big South) edged Presbyterian, 3-2.

Giles (5-6) entered for starter Morgan Dowdy, who was lifted after allowing two runs over 2/3 innings. The freshman allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out six.

Horse racing
Black Jack Blues led from start to finish in the Carolina Cup Steeplechase in Camden.

With Ross Geraghty aboard, the 9-year-old gelding finished the 13-fence, 21/4-mile course in 4:06.80 on firm turf.

The $50,000 Carolina Cup was one of five steeplechase races on a card which included one flat race.

Sand volleyball
College of Charleston’s top two pairings fared well in the first day of the UNF Sand Invitational in Jacksonville, Fla.

Playing in pool six, Charleston’s Elyse Chubb and Lizzie Theesfeld went 6-2. The second pair of Kelly Kolich and Emily Shelton went 7-1 in the seventh pool.