Early outburst helps Asheville sink RiverDogs

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Taylor Featherston went homered and Asheville used a three-run first to defeat the Charleston RiverDogs, 5-2, in South Atlantic League baseball Tuesday night at McCormick Field.

The Tourists (75-46, 28-23 second half) got RBI doubles by Jordan Ribera and Jared Simon to grab an early 3-0 lead.

The RiverDogs (61-56, 22-28) cut the lead to 3-1 in the third on a solo home run — the fourth of the season — to left field by Ali Castillo.

But Featherston’s 10th home of the season in the bottom of the inning and an RBI double by Ryan Casteel in the fourth inning extended Asheville’s lead to 5-1.

Heading to the ninth inning, the RiverDogs got a one-out single by Ben Gamel, who score two batters later when Dante Bichette Jr. singled him home to make it 5-2. But the Tourists were able to quell the RiverDogs’ rally.

Charleston starter Phil Wetherell (5-7) allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings. Dan Mahoney and Charlie Short each threw two scoreless innings of relief for Charleston.

Daniel Winkler (9-10) was solid for the Tourists, limiting the RiverDogs to just one run on four hits in six innings with six strikeouts to earn his first win since June 11.

Coming up

The finale of the series will be at 7 p.m. today in Asheville. Right-hander Corey Black (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will start for Charleston, while right-hander Ben Alsup (11-5, 4.20) is set to throw for the Tourists.