Krum's blast lifts Dogs in 9th

He had earned the right to stroll around the bases, but Austin Krum celebrated his walk-off home run with something closer to a sprint.

"I was so pumped, I wasn't sure what to do," said Krum, who led off the ninth inning with a line drive that just cleared the right field fence to power the Charleston RiverDogs to a 6-5 victory over the Asheville Tourists in front of 2,592 fans at Riley Park on Wednesday.

His fifth home run of the year couldn't have come at a better time. The Tourists (22-17 second half, 68-41 overall) had just tied the game at 5 with a run in the ninth against closer Jonathan Ortiz (4-2). Krum, who was 2-for-3 from the ninth spot in the order, was just looking for a way to get on base, but ended up becoming a one-man rally.

"That's what you've got to do in this lineup — just get on base and let one of the big bats bring you home," he said. "They brought in a lefty, and you know you're probably going to see some soft stuff. I was fortunate to get a slider over the plate and get a good swing on it."

Krum has been swinging a hot bat of late, hitting over .300 in his last dozen games. It's been typical of a lineup that looks like it's pulled out of a terrible slump endured in late June and early July.

"All of us have been putting in some hard time. (Hitting coach) Greg Colbrunn has been working with all of us to improve our swings and our mindsets at the plate," Krum said.

Charleston (18-19, 63-44) took advantage of seven walks from Asheville starter Connor Graham to shake off a 3-1 first-inning deficit and take a 4-3 lead by the fourth inning. Bradley Suttle hit a two-run double with the bases loaded to chase Graham.

Dellin Betances started for the RiverDogs and lasted 4 2/3 innings. He gave up seven hits and two walks while striking out four, leaving with the game tied at 4. Craig Heyer, pitching in relief of Betances, hit the second batter he faced, but retired 10 without giving up a hit or walk.

Jesus Montero hit his 11th homer of the year in the seventh inning to give Charleston a 5-4 lead.

Cancer awareness

Ed Randall's Bat for the Cure Program came to Riley Park to raise awareness of prostate cancer. Free blood screenings were offered throughout the night.

Coming up

The third game of the series will be played today at 7:05 p.m., and the scheduled starters will be Charleston right-hander Noel Castillo (7-5, 3.48 ERA) and Asheville righty Cory Riordan (7-7, 3.48).

Tonight's promotion is a Salute to American Gladiators. In honor of the popular television show, RiverDogs staff will put contestants through different skills contests to see who will be the top gladiator.

Reach Bill Henley at bhenley@postandcourier.com.