Opponent Preview: Charleston RiverDogs
After finishing up a recent seven-game homestand, the Power hits the road as they travel to Charleston for the first time this season. But before the series gets started on Tuesday, let’s take a look at the RiverDogs and preview the upcoming series with the Yankees’ Low-A affiliate.
Who are the Charleston RiverDogs?
The Charleston RiverDogs have been a part of the South Atlantic League since 1980. This is Charleston’ 15th season as an affiliate of the New York Yankees after spending the time with the Royals, Rangers, Devil Rays and Padres previously. The Charleston ball club was founded as the Charleston Rebels back in 1940 and have re-branded a total of nine times in franchise history before becoming the RiverDogs in 1994. The RiverDogs have never won a pennant in South Atlantic League history.
The RiverDogs have been host to a bevy of future (and past) Major League stars over the course of their South Atlantic League tenure, including names like Josh Hamilton, Alex Rodriguez and Aaron Judge. Charleston has also housed a pair of Hall of Famers in Roberto Alomar and Kiki Cuyler.
The 2019 Charleston RiverDogs
The 2019 RiverDogs are led by manager Julio Mosquera, who is in his second season with Charleston and 14th overall within the Yankees farm system. The 46-year-old former major league catcher last managed the Staten Island Yankees Class A Short-Season club, which posted a 46–29 record and secured a playoff berth in 2017. Previously, Mosquera had managerial gigs in the rookie Gulf Coast League in 2015–16, and served as a catching coordinator for nine seasons from 2006–2014.
Current Status of the 2019 Season
The RiverDogs have started the 2019 season with a 20–17 mark, and are leading the Southern Division by a game and a half over Augusta entering their series with the Power. Charleston is 6–4 over their last 10 games, and but just dropped two of three games in their most recent set at Hickory.
Charleston outfielder Canaan Smith leads the way for the RiverDogs offense with a .317 average, three homers and thirteen RBIs. Smith hit the first cycle for the RiverDogs since 1997 with a 4–for-5 day against Hickory this past Sunday. Former Mariners’ prospect and outfielder Josh Stowers has also had a strong start to 2019, boasting a .297 average, the second-highest on the squad. On the mound, Jio Orozco has posted a 3–2 record with a 1.83 ERA through 34.1 innings to lead the team.
Series History
West Virginia and Charleston have played 105 times since 2005, with the RiverDogs holding the series lead at 59–46 entering their May three-game set. The two teams played eleven times in 2018, with Charleston taking the series 6–5.
The squads will square off six times in 2019, with both series coming in Charleston, S.C., this season. The second and final series is another three-game set at the end of August (20–22).
Game Times and Broadcast Information
Game Schedule:
Tuesday, May 14–7:05 PM
Wednesday, May 15–7:05 PM
Thursday, May 16–7:05 PM
Broadcast Information:
Listen to The Jock WJYP and WMON 1300 and 1340 AM locally in Charleston, or catch the game nationwide on our website or on the TuneIn Radio App by searching “West Virginia Power Baseball Network”. The game is also available via the MiLB First Pitch App. Pregame coverage begins 20 minutes before first pitch every night, with David Kahn and Kyle Youmans bringing you all the action.
