Game 2: Mudcats, 13, Riverdogs 3

Defensive miscues and a lack of timely hitting was the story of the game as the Riverdogs fell to the Mudcats 13-3. The loss drops the Riverdogs to 1-1 on the season.

The Riverdogs struck first as they put two runs on the board in the top of the first to take a 2-0 lead. However, they could only push across one more run for the remainder of the game. The Mudcats meanwhile responded with four runs of their own in the bottom of the first; took advantage of some shaky Riverdog defense by scoring five in the third and eventually cruised to the victory.

The Riverdogs were led by Caden who was 2-2 with a triple, a single and 1 RBI; Caleb who was 2-2 with 2 singles and 1 run scored; and Weston who was 2-2 with two singles. Jacob, Blake, Bobby, Carter and William all recorded a hit each. Blake and Matthew D. each scored a run, while Matthew N. and Bobby had a RBI each.

Some bright spots for the Riverdogs: Nolan and Caden both received candy bars for their fly ball catches in the outfield; while Caleb turned an unassisted double play at first base.

The Riverdogs will be off for the Easter holiday. The next practice is Monday at 6:30 at Carolina Pines #2.

Team Outing: NC State vs. Notre Dame Baseball Game

Despite the cold temperatures, the Riverdogs joined the Rookie League West Raleigh Knights in attending the NC State vs. Notre Dame baseball game. The players got to experience touring the facility which included the coaches’ offices, the indoor hitting facility, the locker room and the bullpen/hitting area adjacent to the field. The players also got to go on the field with the NC State players for the national anthem. Overall, the kids seemed to enjoy themselves and they got to see a high scoring game as the Wolfpack defeated Notre Dame 16-6.

Game 1: Riverdogs 13, Bulls 7

In the first game of the 2016 spring season, the Riverdogs, in the return of the famous Riverdog yellow pants (see the previous blog), defeated the Bulls 13-7 on opening day at Nowell field.

After plating a run to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st, the Bulls scored a run of their own in the top of the 2nd to tie the game at 1-1. The score remained 1-1 until the top of the 4th, when the Bulls scored two to take a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 4th the Riverdog bats came alive. The ‘dawgs managed to put 8 runs on the board, and in fact recorded 8 straight hits before recording their first out. After the Bulls responded with four runs in the top of the 5th to close the gap to 9-7, the ‘dawgs fired back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the 5th to extend the lead to 13-7. The Riverdogs defense held tight in the top of the 6th to secure the victory and start the season at 1-0.

Leading the way for the Riverdogs were Caleb who was 3-3 with 2 doubles, a single, 2 RBI’s and 3 runs scored; Matthew N. who was 3-3 with a double, two singles, 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored; Blake who was 2-3 with a double, a single and 2 runs scored; Matthew D. who was 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 RBI and 1 run scored, and Nolan who was 2-2 with 2 singles and 1 run scored. Caden and Carter both had 2 RBI’s and 1 run scored, Bobby had 1 RBI and 1 run scored, Jacob had 1 run scored and Nicky D had 1 RBI. Caleb also received the first coach’s candy bar award of the young season for his fly ball catch in the outfield.

Following the game, Coach David praised the team on how hard they fought and especially the energy and excitement the team displayed in the explosive fourth inning. Coach David also pointed out that while it’s good to get the victory, we had some defensive lapses we need to correct, and we will continue to work on those in practices. The next team event will be our outing at the NC State baseball game on March 20th, followed by practice at 5:00.

Opening Day

Who is ready for some baseball???

Saturday was opening day for the Riverdogs! The boys started their day with a little giving back. Each year the West Raleigh Organization participates in a food drive. This year was no different and the Riverdogs showed up with bags in hand. Always there to do their part!

Next up was Opening Ceremonies. Everyone showed their support for our sponsors, coaches and parents. Blake then represented the Riverdogs in the relay. His team tied for First Place! Great running Blake!!

Welcome to the Blog!!

Welcome to the West Raleigh Riverdogs team blog version 2.0. Why 2.0 you ask? As it turns out, the Riverdogs have quite a bit of history outlined in a previous blog you can read here. Feel free to read up on some previous Riverdog teams.

We hope to update this blog extensively throughout the season (as time permits) with team information, game summaries, team outings and of course pictures taken throughout the season. Feel free to pass along any pictures you’d like to see on the blog. Send pictures to akj0522@yahoo.com.

Happy Reading! Go Riverdogs!!!