RiverDogs open playoffs after rallying to South Division title

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The Charleston RiverDogs are headed to the postseason after a dramatic turnaround helped secure the Carolina League South Division first-half title. Charleston finished the regular season 73-59, its highest win total since 2022, and opens the best-of-three South Division Series against the Hickory Crawdads on Tuesday at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. The RiverDogs earned their first playoff berth since 2024 after erasing a five-game deficit in the division race. Trailing Hickory on May 30, Charleston went 13-2 down the stretch to claim the first-half crown, highlighted by a franchise-record 12-game winning streak. READ MORE | Charleston RiverDogs beat Augusta 3-1 Wednesday night, crediting strong pitching for win Charleston's success was fueled by late-season contributions from first baseman Brady Marget, outfielder Tom Poole and pitcher Blake Morgan, while the club developed a reputation for dramatic comebacks. The RiverDogs recorded 14 walk-off wins, the most at any level of professional baseball, and won eight games when trailing in the ninth inning or later, tied for the most in Minor League Baseball. The RiverDogs, seeking their first Carolina League championship since 2023, will host Game 2 of the series Thursday at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. A decisive Game 3, if necessary, would also be played in Charleston on Friday.