Flemming and Gray Ignite Quick Start in 5-3 Win

The two return to the park Thursday for game three of the series. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m

RiverDogs Media

Columbia, SC – Early offense and stout pitching led the Charleston RiverDogs to a 5-3 win over the Columbia Fireflies on Wednesday night at Segra Park.

The RiverDogs opened scoring in a big way in the top of the first when Cooper Flemming doubled home Slater de Brun to make it 1-0. The next hitter was Taitn Gray who lined an RBI single to center, pushing the lead to two.

In the second, the RiverDogs rallied for more, placing runners at the corners for Flemming who rolled an RBI single to right.

After Flemming stole second, Gray pounded a two-run single to center to push Charleston ahead 5-0.

Starter Jordi Infante delivered two scoreless innings and then handed the ball to Miguel Toscano. After the righty cruised through two frames, Columbia rallied for three runs against him in the bottom of the fifth, cutting Charleston's lead to two.

Multiple RiverDogs finished the night with multi hit performances, including Gray who earned his second consecutive three-hit evening. He is now 15-for-29 over his last eight games.

Grady Emerson also tallied three knocks, including his first pro triple which came in the fourth inning. He is 4-for-8 in the series.

Relivers Cesar De Jesus and Riley Stanford were strong out of the pen, teaming up to shutout Columbia over the game's final four innings. Stanford earned his third career save in the process.

After the win, the RiverDogs moved to 68-54 and 31-25 in the second half, while Columbia fell to 60-61, and 25-30 in the second half. The two return to the park tomorrow for game three of the series. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. with coverage beginning at 6:50 on the RiverDogs Broadcast Network.

Let Freedom Bark 

After clinching the Carolina League South first half title, the RiverDogs have secured a spot in the 2026 postseason, presented by Nucor Steel Berkeley. The best-of-three Division Series begins on Tuesday, September 8. Thanks to their first-half division title, the RiverDogs are guaranteed to host Game 2, and, if necessary, Game 3, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on September 10 and 11.

Season Ticket Holders can renew their 2026 package for 2027, to receive complimentary tickets to all home postseason games. All other fans can purchase an exclusive package that includes a ticket to all home playoff games and a guaranteed t-shirt for a limited time. 

About the RiverDogs

The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and three-time Carolina League Champions. The RiverDogs play their home games at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, a Charleston staple since 1997. 2026 single game tickets are on sale now at RiverDogs.com. Beyond baseball, the RiverDogs host year-round events in the climate-controlled Segra Club. Active members of the Lowcountry community, the RiverDogs were named the winner of the 2025 'MiLB Together Award,' which recognizes a team for outstanding commitment to charitable service in their community. Team merchandise is always available at the RiverDogs Team Store. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.