Riverdogs drop doubleheader
The Clinton Riverdogs played a double-header on Wednesday, June 17 against first the Sevier County Cavaliers and then the Kodak Wildcats. They lost both games, 11-0 and 12-5, respectively.
Coach Kenneth Lowe of the Riverdogs said that three of their starting seniors were on vacation, and since it was only their fourth and fifth games, a lot of the team is still shaking off the cobwebs.
“The first inning against Sevier went well,” he said. “We just gave up a couple runs and Blake Lowe was our starting pitcher. It was his first time pitching since a back injury, and he did well. After that, it was Colby Holbrook. We had one big inning and gave up seven runs and that pretty much did us in.”
The Riverdogs didn’t record a single hit against the Cavaliers.
“You have to hit the ball to score runs,” said Lowe. “Everyone’s a little rusty, but you have to hit the ball. If we field the ball, we’re pretty consistent with it. We just have to get back in playing shape for the most part.”
After that game, the Riverdogs faced off against the Kodak Wildcats, giving a better performance with five runs scored, albeit still a loss. Colby Moody started as pitcher but struggled finding the plate..
“Walks were our biggest issue,” said Lowe. “They got three runs in the first, three in the second, and five in the third to get us down 11-0. We finally managed to score one in the bottom of the third.”
Daniel Burke was the performing batter for the Riverdogs, ending up with two runners batted in, and Devin Wilcox had one.
Still, despite the losses, Lowe said the team was happy to be playing.
“Other than the scores, it was a lovely night,” Lowe joked. “I had 26 guys in uniform in the dugout, and every single one of them was lined up on the handrail watching the game. It was a pretty neat sight. They just have to learn. Being out of practice for three months and showing up and not being ready to play – they want to be there, but they have to be ready.” when they show up.”