Riverdogs build up steam, rip Centralia

The local squad followed up its first win over the Capahas with a 15-6 triumph.

The Riverdogs displayed no hangover from arguably the biggest win in the team's seven-year history.

Two days after beating the Capahas for the first time ever -- after having previously lost 17 straight to their Cape Girardeau rivals -- the Riverdogs pounded the Centralia (Ill.) Buds 15-6.

Monday night's victory at Capaha Field was the Riverdogs' second straight -- their longest winning streak of the season -- as they improved to 4-7.

"It's nice to win two games in a row," Riverdogs' co-coach Robin Minner said. "We've played a pretty tough schedule so far, but I think we're playing pretty well."

The Riverdogs were particularly potent offensively Monday as they battered three Centralia pitchers for 17 hits, including three triples and two doubles. Ten players, including all nine starters, hit safely for the Riverdogs.

"We really swung the bats well, and it was up and down the lineup," Minner said.

Chris Conrad and Ryan Dailey both had three hits to lead the Riverdogs. Conrad tripled, drove in two runs and scored three runs, while Dailey also scored three times.

Shane Gibson had two hits, including a triple, to go along with three RBIs and four runs scored.

Billy Palmer had a double among his two hits. He added two RBIs and scored three runs.

A.H. Marshall tripled, doubled and had two RBIs, while Trevor York added a pair of RBIs.

The beneficiary of all that offense was pitcher Austin McDowell, although he really didn't need that much help. McDowell, a right-hander, worked the first seven innings. He allowed four runs -- all unearned -- and six hits, with six strikeouts and two walks.

"I thought Austin threw the ball really well," Minner said. "He's a good pitcher."

The Riverdogs went ahead quickly with three first-inning runs and never looked back. A five-run fourth inning -- featuring six hits -- made it 9-1 and broke things wide open.

Jordan Stults had three of Centralia's eight hits. Wes Brooks delivered three RBIs.

The Riverdogs play at Waterloo (Ill.) Wednesday night.