RiverDogs, McAllister shut down Crawdads

RiverDogs 8, Crawdads 1

Hickory, N.C. — With home runs from Brian Baisley and Jesus Montero, the Charleston RiverDogs got seven shutout innings from starter Zach McAllister in drubbing the Hickory Crawdads, 8-1, in South Atlantic League play at L.P. Frans Stadium on Sunday.

Southern Division-leading Charleston (22-8) recorded its seventh consecutive road win, including two straight against the Crawdads (15-16).

McAllister (4-1), who has won his last three starts, lowered his ERA to a league-best 0.92 as he limited Hickory to six hits and one walk while striking out four. The right-hander was helped by his infield defense, which turned three double plays.

Baisley went 2-for-4 and led off the top of the second inning with his third homer in as many games, a solo drive to right off Crawdads starter Rafael Delossantos (1-2). He added a run-scoring double in the third as the RiverDogs built a 6-0 lead.

Montero capped a four-RBI effort with a two-run shot in the seventh; the 18-year-old also drove in runs with a groundout in the first inning and a single in the third.

Wady Rufino, who missed the previous four games with a hand injury, contributed two hits, as did Austin Krum and Albraham Almonte.

Hickory's lone run came against Jesse Hoover in the ninth on a two-out, RBI double by Andrew Walker.

The series continues with today's 6:30 p.m. matchup. Dellin Betances (3-1, 2.58 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for Charleston against Hickory's Brad Clapp 0-1, 0.00).