Entering their series against the Asheville Tourists, the Charleston RiverDogs had been one of the best run producing teams in the South Atlantic League, however, the Tourists’ starters have had the answer to the RiverDogs hitters. A night after Brandon Gold allowed just one-hit in seven-innings, Erick Julio blanked Charleston for seven-innings, and Asheville scored all of their runs with two outs in the 3-0 victory.

This would be an outstanding pitchers’ duel, as both Julio and RiverDogs starter Nick Nelson kept this a scoreless affair through five. Charleston was able to mount what looked like a promising rally in the bottom of the first when Carlos Vidal led off with a single and Diego Castillo followed with a double that put runners at second and third with no one out. However, Julio got a popout before striking out the next two batters to end the threat. He would allow two runners to reach in the second with one out, but then got a double-play grounder to end the threat.

Asheville had no solution for Nelson either. Only one batter reached base via a hit through the first five frames, which included a run where he retired 10 straight batters. Nelson extended the run to 12 when he retired the first two batters in the sixth, however, Jose Gomez kept the inning alive with a ground single into left. Vince Fernandez followed with a double to the wall in center to score Gomez and it was 1-0 Asheville.

Nick Nelson left after 6-innings, allowing just 3-hits and an earned run, while striking out 5. Garrett Mundell relieved and pitched well, but the two-out rally would get to him in the eighth. Manuel Melendez beat out a single but Castillo’s throw to first went into the stands, allowing Melendez to reach second. Gomez then singled to right scoring Melendez to make it 2-0. Mundell attempted to pick off Gomez, but his throw was wild, allowing the runner to reach second. Next up was Vince Fernandez, who singled to right to score Gomez to make it 3-0.

That would be plenty enough support for the Asheville Tourists pitching staff on this night. Erick Julio (2-2) pitched 7-innings allowing 5-hits, a walk and no runs. He struck out 5. Matt Dennis pitched a scoreless eighth and J.D. Hammer a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.

Jose Gomez was 2-4 with 2-runs and an RBI for the Asheville Tourists. Vince Fernandez was also 2-4 and drove in 2. The Charleston RiverDogs offense was led by Carlos Vidal who was 3-4. Angel Anguilar had 2-hits in 4-at-bats.

The final game of this three-game set will be tomorrow at 5:05. Asheville sends Antonio Santos (0-2, 2.50). Charleston has not named their starter.

Boxscore

By Robert Pannier