Yefrey Ramirez Wins Third Straight; RiverDogs Down Power 2-1
Two nights ago, Chris Gittens provided an offensive onslaught, homering three times to lead the Charleston RiverDogs to an 8-6 victory. Friday night the team was in need of a lot of pitching, and starter Yefrey Ramirez delivered an outstanding outing, combining with two relievers to hold the West Virginia Power to just one run in the 2-1 victory. Ramirez led the way with 5.1 shutout innings in winning his third straight decision.
This was a classic pitchers’ duel between Ramirez and West Virginia starter Logan Sendelbach. The Power starter retired the first seven RiverDogs hitters of the game, before giving up back-to-back walks with one out in the third. He would eventually load the bases on free passes, but got the final out of the inning before any runs could score.
West Virginia recorded three hits through the first two innings, including loading the bases with two outs in the second, but Ramirez struck out Tyler Filliben to keep the score tied at zero. He struck out four batters through the first three innings as both starters were looking quite impressive.
In the top of the fourth Charleston was finally able to take the lead. The West Virginia starter retired the first batter of the inning, but Jhalan Jackson drilled a line drive into left field that he legged out for his 12th double of the year. Angel Aguilar followed with a single to left field scoring Jackson. The left fielder bobbled the ball, allowing Aguilar to move to second. Two batters later Leonardo Molina grounded a single into left field that scored Aguilar to make it 2-0 Charleston.
Ramirez continued to keep the Power off the scoreboard. In the sixth he would be pulled after reaching his pitch count. He yielded a lead-off single before striking out Ke’Bryan Hayes. That would be the last batter he would face. Ramirez (4-1) had thrown 93-pitches in 5.1 innings of work. He allowed 5-hits and no walks, while striking out 7.
Manlo Reyes came on in relief and gave up a single, but he then retired the final two batters with no damage occurring.
In the sixth, the West Virginia Power would finally get onto the board. Logan Hill walked to start the inning and Christian Kelley followed with a single that moved Hill to second. A sacrifice moved both runners into scoring position, and Tito Polo followed with a ground out that scored Hill to make it 2-1. Reyes would retire the final batter but a very close game became a real nail-biter.
In the ninth, the Charleston RiverDogs sent in closer Andrew Schwaab looking to end the game. He hit a batter and gave up a single with one out, but then got a fly out before striking out the final batter of the inning to record his 14th save of the season.
Jackson finished the game 2-3 with a run scored and a double. He also walked.
These two teams will continue their series tomorrow. Daris Vargas (4-3, 2.75) goes for Charleston RiverDogs looking to break his three-game losing streak. Bret Helton (3-5, 3.75) will get the start for the West Virginia Power. First pitch is 7:05.
By Robert Pannier