Tyler Austin lifts RiverDogs over Drive in 13 inn.

Tyler Austin hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 13th inning to give the Charleston RiverDogs a 7-6 win over the Greenville Drive in South ?Atlantic League action Thursday night in front of 4,521 fans at Riley Park.

With the victory, the RiverDogs improved their record to 31-15 and maintained their hold on first place in the Southern Division, half a game ahead of the Asheville Tourists. Greenville’s loss put them at 22-24 so far this season.

The 4-hour, 3-minute, 13-inning game was the longest of the year for Charleston.

Ali Castillo started things off in the inning with a lead-off single. Castillo then beat the throw to second on a bunt by Casey Stevenson. After both runners moved up on a sacrifice, an intentional walk brought up Austin, who finally ended the long night.

Mariel Checo (5-0) struck out the side in the top of the inning to earn his fifth win of the season.

“The guys really battled after falling behind early,” said RiverDogs manager Carlos Mendoza. “The bullpen kept us in the game and we were able to win it late. That was a great team win after two tough losses in Savannah, and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Coming up
Today’s 7:05 p.m. game will feature left-hander Evan Rutckyj (1-0, 0.00 ERA) scheduled to start for the RiverDogs against LHP Mickey Pena (3-2, 2.13 ERA).

Postgame fireworks will cap the night.