Charleston RiverDogs give up 3 runs in ninth, fall to Shorebirds in 10 innings

The Charleston Riverdogs suffered their toughest loss of the season, as the Delmarva Shorebirds scored three runs in the ninth inning to tie the game and won it with two in the 10th for a 6-4 win in front of a crowd of 4,270 at Riley Park on Saturday night.

The RiverDogs still remain in first place in the South Atlantic League Southern Division at 19-10, while the Shorebirds are now 14-14.

Caleb Cotham struck out seven batters in pitching four-hit baseball over five innings, allowing just one run en route to what seemed like a victory.

Unfortunately, the bullpen was not quite as sharp and couldn’t close the door on Delmarva in the ninth.

After solid relief work by John Brebbia and Pedro Guerra, Delmarva broke out with three runs in the inning against Mariel Checo. After an error and two walks, a fielder’s choice scored one run and a single by Sammie Starr scored the second. Another single loaded the bases and a sacrifice fly by Justin Dalles tied the score.

The Shorebirds took the lead in the 10th inning against Ben Paullus (1-1). A double by Brenden Webb opened the inning, and he scored on a fielder’s choice. The Shorebirds added a second run on a Glynn Davis RBI single.

The loss marked the first time this season the RiverDogs lost a game in which they had led after eight innings. It was also their first loss in extra innings.

Ballpark fun
Lowcountry Local First gave Tri-County residents $1 off their ticket, while West Ashley Dental sponsored a toothbrush holder for the first 1,000 fans.

Coming up
The second game of the series is scheduled for 5 p.m. today, with RHP Bryan Mitchell (1-2, 3.66 ERA) starting for the RiverDogs against RHP Miguel Chalas (3-1 7.63 ERA).