Rome cools down sizzling R'Dogs

It certainly wasn't like hitting in Greenville.

Jeff Locke and the rest of the Rome pitching staff scattered seven hits to shut out the Charleston RiverDogs, 1-0, in front of 3,978 fans at Riley Park on Wednesday.

It was Charleston's first game at home since a four-game sweep at Greenville during which the RiverDogs combined to hit 15 home runs and score 40 runs. Scoring was much more difficult at home, but manager Torre Tyson didn't think it was a problem adjusting from a hitter's park to one that's more pitcher-friendly.

"Rome's two lefties absolutely located (their pitches) and made a mess of us," he said. "They were able to locate inside on us all night and we just have trouble adjusting to it."

Locke (5-10) pitched six innings and gave up five hits and two walks while striking out five. Chad Rodgers and Craig Kimbrel, who earned his third save, finished the game for the Braves (23-23, 45-70).

Austin Krum was 3-for-4, but he flied out to left field to end the game with runners at first and second. Despite the final result, Krum was definitely the batter the RiverDogs (22-22 second half, 67-47 overall) wanted in that situation. He's now hitting 18-for-35 in his last 10 games and raised his batting average 25 points to .277 in that time.

Only Wady Rufino was able to reach base twice, getting on with a walk and a hit. It was Rufino's first game back in nearly three months after going on the disabled list with a broken hand.

"It's nice to see a fresh face," Tyson said. "Wady's coming out there with some lightning-quick bat speed. It's good to see because we absolutely need it now."

Just as the RiverDogs added some offense into their lineup, they took a hit with the pitching staff. Starting pitcher Wilkins De La Rosa is scheduled to be promoted today and he leaves with a 7-3 record and 2.29 earned run average. He also had 110 strikeouts in just over 90 innings and tended to go deep into games. His absence could mean a heavier workload for a thin bullpen.

Wednesday's starter, Jairo Heredia (5-6), lasted 6 1/3 innings and gave up only an unearned run when he misplayed a short grounder near the mound with two out in the sixth. Everyone was safe as Cody Johnson scored from third base. Heredia yielded five hits and two walks and struck out six.

Charleston stranded nine runners, most of them at first base.

Coming up

The RiverDogs and Braves play the second game of their series today at 7:05 p.m. The scheduled starting pitchers are Charleston right-hander Adam Olbrychowski (5-6, 5.15 ERA) and Rome left-hander Edgar Osuna (6-4, 3.40).

In addition to Thirsty Thursday, today's promotion is Disability Awareness Night.

Reach Bill Henley at 937-5595 or bhenley@postandcourier.com.