RiverDogs RunDown June 21-26

LEADING OFF

5 8 19

SERIES PREVIEW

AUER CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

BY THE NUMBER

The Charleston RiverDogs are back at home this week for a six-game series with the Columbia Fireflies and a chance to clinch the Carolina League South Division first half title. This is the second time that these two teams have faced off this season, with the teams splitting a six-game series back in April.

Columbia, an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, comes into this series with an 18-45 record and sit in last place in the Carolina League South Division after losing four of six against the Carolina Mudcats. They are led by manager Tony Pena Jr. The younger Pena played four seasons in MLB and was part of the big league staff for the Royals last season. His father, Tony Pena, was named to five all-star teams and won four Gold Gloves before managing the Royals from 2002-05. The Fireflies come into this series with a team batting average of just .199, which is last in all of Single-A baseball. River Town is one to watch, as he is hitting .250 and is tied for the team lead in home runs with eight this season; three of which were in the past 10 games. Their 5.47 team ERA is third-last in all of Single-A. Noah Cameron has made seven starts for the Fireflies and has a 3.72 ERA. After splitting a six-game series with the Augusta GreenJackets, the Charleston RiverDogs come into this series with a 43-20 record, which is the second best record in all of Minor League Baseball. Unfortunately, the team that owns the best record , happens to be in their division. Myrtle Beach sits above Charleston by one game entering this series. Offensively, the RiverDogs have a team batting average of .256, which is the best in the Carolina League and fourth overall in all Single-A. Carson Williams has been on fire recently. In his last five games, the 2021 first round pick out of San Diego, CA has a .381 average with a home run and three RBI. He also leads the Carolina League with 113 total bases. On the mound, the team has a 3.63 ERA, which is second best in the Carolina League and fourth overall. Austin Vernon has been remarkable on the mound this season. May’s Carolina League Pitcher of the Month is 8-0 this season with a 1.45 ERA out of the bullpen this season. His 81 strikeouts this season lead all Carolina League pitchers.

Tuesday, June 21, 7:05 p.m.: Dog Day presented by Twisted Tea: We hope to see you and your dog at the game on this night! The RiverDogs invite you to bring your pup to The Joe for each Tuesday home game this season. In addition, enjoy $2 hot dogs and beer as Twisted Tea adds a new twist to Tuesdays this season with goofy on-field games and fan-oriented fun throughout the game. Tuesday games are presented by 96.9 The Wolf.

Wednesday, June 22, 7:05 p.m.: Peanut-Free Game/Charleston Idol/Wicked Wednesday presented by Wicked Weed: Along with Charleston Allergy and Asthma, the RiverDogs will make the ballpark safe for those with peanut allergies on Peanut-Free night. There will be no peanuts sold at the game and sections 101 and 102 will be deep-cleaned and available for fans with severe allergies. In between inning, fans will be singing karaoke with the crowd voting for a winner to be crowned “Charleston Idol”. Also, make sure to keep an eye out every Wednesday for a new wicked ticket deal. This week, grandstand tickets are just $5.01, the same price as the national average for a gallon of gas, with the code: PUMP. Thursday, June 23, 7:05 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser/Rent Free Giveaway: There is a reason that Thursday nights at The Joe provide one of the best atmospheres in Minor League Baseball. As always, $1 beers are available throughout the ballpark all night long. Are dollar beers living in your head rent free? Well, maybe we can help someone with their rent by giving away $1,000 (must be 18 or older to win). $4 well cocktails will also be available during “happy hour” from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Enjoy live music in the Ashley View Pub courtesy of DJ DollaMenu or feel free to play a game of cornhole on the concourse. Bottoms up! Thursdays are presented by 95sx.

Pelicans’ Alcantara goes yard twice on 8-RBI day Friday, June 24, 7:05 p.m.: Friday Fireworks presented

by REV Federal Credit Union/Boeing Red Shirt Friday: The RiverDogs will shine a spotlight on active duty and retired military members and their families, while the team wears their new red alternate jerseys on the field. The red jerseys will be auctioned to fans at the end of the season. Following every Friday night contest make sure to stick around for the best fireworks show in the Lowcountry! Enjoy this week’s fireworks to a soundtrack of Kids Movie hits. Fridays are presented by 103.5 WEZL and Live 5 News.

Saturday, June 25, 6:05 p.m.: Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night/Saturdays Live at The Joe presented

by Breeze Airways/Post-Game Light Show: We’ve seen plenty of heroic achievements at The Joe over the years, but this night will take it to a new level. Make sure to come to the ballpark for Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night and meet Captain America in the flesh! The RiverDogs will take the field in Captain America themed jerseys and there will be a Marvel costume contest for fans. The jerseys will be available via auction in September. In addition, there will be a digital Marvel Defenders of the Diamond comic book available at the game. You never know what kind of fun is in store when you walk into the ballpark on a Saturday Live at The Joe! After the game, stick around for a light show featuring our LED ballpark lights! Saturdays are presented by 92.5 Kickin’ Country, 101.7 Chuck FM and FOX 24.

Sunday, June 26, 5:05 p.m.: Silent Night with Charleston Mini-Mime Troupe/ MUSC Health Family Sunday: Silence is a virtue at this Sunday evening contest as we are joined by the Charleston Mini-Mime Troupe. We will also be joined by ASL interpreters from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind.

During this game, fans are encouraged to remain silent when the Fireflies are at the plate and make as much noise as possible while the RiverDogs are batting in an effort to call attention to those effected by hearing loss in the Lowcountry. Parking is free! Before, during and after each Sunday home game, we will make it all about the kids. From the video board, to between innings contests, and even the opportunity to run the bases, Sundays are sure to be a memorable day for the whole family. Sundays are presented by Mix 95.9, Star 99.7 and ABC News 4.

Mason Auer has been one of the most consistent hitters in the RiverDogs lineup during the 2022 season. The 21-year-old has become a fixture in the top part of Manager Blake Butera’s lineup on a nightly basis.

Auer grew up in Joplin, Missouri, where he lived until he was 12 years old. From there, his family would move to Springfield, MO. Growing up, Auer was a multisport athlete. Not only did he play baseball, but he played quarterback for the football team at Kickapoo HS. “I enjoyed playing quarterback,” said Auer. We did not win a lot of games, but it was fun to play.”

According to Auer, it was his freshman or sophomore year at Kickapoo that he realized baseball would give him the best opportunity. As a pitcher and outfielder for the Chiefs, he would earn First-Team Missouri Class 5A All-State honors in his final two seasons. In his senior season, he was ranked the number two overall baseball recruit in the state of Missouri, including the top outfielder in the class of 2019.

His play on the field gave him an opportunity to get drafted in the upcoming MLB Draft. Auer, who grew up a big St. Louis Cardinals fan and looked up to Albert Pujols, was selected by their archrival, the Chicago Cubs, in the 39th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Auer, who was already committed to his hometown school of Missouri State, had the idea that he was going to honor his commitment to Bears. “It being my hometown team was a bonus for me,” said Auer, but they had a lot of success in the years prior to me getting there and had been to a few regionals.”

Auer did not last long in Springfield. He was there for only one year and started three games in the field and hit just .111 in nine at-bats during the 2020 season. He also pitched 3.0 innings, giving up two runs in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

This, and other personal reasons, led to Auer’s decision to transfer to San Jacinto College, a JUCO powerhouse in San Jacinto, TX, which is just outside of Houston. Though it was 10 hours away from his Springfield, MO home, this is what he believed was best the best decision.

“This is the best JUCO that you could go to,” said Auer. “It is one of the best JUCO baseball programs in the country and what I believed was best for me.”

There were a couple of things that Auer had to adjust to. The first was how far away it was from home. The second was having a roommate that did not speak English.

“I would have to translate for him on the phone,” said Auer. “If anything, that was probably the biggest culture shock to me that I had to adjust to.

Still, the decision to play at San Jacinto proved to be the right one for Auer. He was San Jac’s best of-

fensive weapon. For the Gators in 2021, Auer hit .373 with 11 home runs and a .525 OBP. He also was a remarkable 34 for 37 stealing bases.

Auer’s efforts helped lead the JUCO powerhouse to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series, where his San Jacinto Gators would go all the way to the semifinals. This, he says, is one of his greatest accomplishments.

His play in San Jacinto would lead to another opportunity. Auer would commit to the University of Oregon to play for the Ducks, a team coming off of an impressive 39-16 record and hosting a regional.

However, the Major League Baseball draft would come calling, specifically, the Tampa Bay Rays. In the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, the Rays selected Auer. This time, he chose the professional route instead of college.

Auer would burst onto the scene there as well. After being assigned to the FCL Rays, he played in 11 games, hitting .265 with 10 stolen bases and a .390 OBP. This season, Auer has not disappointed either. Since being assigned to Charleston on opening day, He has been one of the best players not just for the RiverDogs, but in the entire Carolina League.

Auer is top five in multiple categories in the Carolina League this season. As of June 21, he is the league-leader in triples with nine on the season. He is also top five in stolen bases (23), hits (66), and total bases (108).

On the current active roster, Auer has started the most games on the team with 55 starts. Coming into the homestand, he is hitting .307 with four home runs and 29 RBI, which is third on the team.

Though Mason Auer may not be with the team during the playoffs due to his stock rising, he will try to help them lock in a bid into the postseason for as long as he is here.

Charleston RiverDogs 2022 Roster Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays No. 20 24 33 16 22 25 26 21 30 11 34 38 23 29 No. 10 28 35 No. 2 15 31 9 13 7 No. 32 19 17 6 5 No.

Pitchers (14) Catalina, Neraldo Cortorreal, Aneudy Cuevas, Jonny Fernandez, Christian Fields, Kamron Galue, Over Gaston, Sandy Goss, JJ Jimenez, Antonio Peoples, Ben Snyder, Jack Theriot, Brayden Vernon, Austin Whittle, Daiveyon Catchers (3) Leon, Luis Perry, Nathan Piper, Kenny Infielders (6) Marte, Jelfry Ramirez, Abiezel Seymour, Bobby Spikes, Ryan Vasquez, Willy Williams, Carson Outfielders (5) Allen, Logan Auer, Mason Manzueta, Oneill Sasaki, Shane Schnell, Nick Injured List (1) Turner, Gionti

June 14 B R R R R R R R R L L R R R R B S L R B L S L R R R B R R R R L B R

T R R R R R R R R L R R R R R T R R R T R R R R R R T R R R R R T R

Ht 6'6 6'3 6'2 6'3 6'3 6'2 6'3 6'3 5'10 6'1 6'2 6'2 6'6 6'1 Ht 6'0 6'2 6'0 Ht 5'11 5'11 6'4 5'9 6'2 6'2 Ht 5'10 6'0 5'11 6'0 6'3 Ht 6'2

Wt 205 260 200 216 202 227 230 202 158 185 205 210 262 235 Wt 218 207 190 Wt 189 160 275 198 201 185 Wt 190 199 221 168 180 Wt 177

Birthplace El Seibo, DR Santo Domingo, DR Indio, CA Cabimas, VEN Dallas, TX Santa Barbara, VEN Matanzas, Cuba Houston, TX San Pedro de Macoris, DR

Columbia, TN Chicago, IL Houston, TX Raleigh, NC Fresno, CA Birthplace Maracay, VEN Spencer, VA Florissant, MO Birthplace La Vega, DR Azua, DR Harvey, IL Conyers, GA Santo Domingo, DR San Diego, CA Birthplace Bryant, AR Joplin, MO Santo Domingo, DR Honolulu, HI Indianapolis, IN Birthplace Pine Bluff, AR

Birthdate 06/21/00 12/13/99 11/20/00 08/11/99 09/24/98 07/31/01 12/16/01 12/25/00 05/06/01 05/01/01 08/04/98 12/19/96 02/08/99 11/11/99 Birthdate 09/10/98 07/07/99 07/12/98 Birthdate 03/27/01 01/26/00 10/07/98 03/13/03 09/06/01 06/25/03 Birthdate 08/13/98 03/01/21 02/07/01 07/01/00 03/27/00 Birthdate 08/17/00

2021 Club(s) FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays FCL Rays DNP - Injury FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays Schaumburg (Frontier League) FCL Rays/Charleston FCL Rays DNP - Injury 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays/Charleston Fayetteville (Astros) FCL Rays 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays/Charleston Charleston FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays FCL Rays Charleston 2021 Club(s) FCL Rays/Bowling Green

College None None Southern Nevada None Texas Southern None None None None None Western Carolina Texas State NC Central

Acquired Trade/2019 Int. FA/2018 12th/2021 Int. FA/2016 20th/2021 Int. FA/2017 Int. FA/2018 CBA/2019 Int. FA/2018 22nd/2019 UDFA/2022 UDFA/2019 10th/2021 Fresno City College 23rd/2018 College Acquired None Int. FA/2015 None 5th/2017 Columbia College 18th/2021 College Acquired None Int. FA/2017 None Int. FA/2016 Wake Forest 13th/2021 None 3rd/2021 None Int. FA/2019 None 1st/2021 College Acquired Arkansas-Fort Smith 14th/2019 San Jacinto 5th/2021 None Int. FA/2018 None 3rd/2019 None 1st/2018 College Acquired None Trade/2018

3 • Blake Butera - Manager 18 • R.C. Lichtenstein - Pitching Coach 4 • Perry Roth - Hitting Coach 36 • Frank Jagoda - Bench Coach Ruben Santiago - Athletic Trainer Mia Salvemini - Strength and Conditioning Coach Steve Berhalter - Clubhouse Manager

Pronunciation Guide

Mason Auer (our) Aneudy Cortorreal (ahn-YOO-dee cort-OH-ree-ahl) Over Galue (oh-VAIR GAHL-oo-way) Sandy Gaston (SAHN-dee GAH-stone) R.C. Lichtenstein (lick-tin-stine) Oneill Manzueta (OH-kneel MAHN-zway-tuh) Abiezel Ramirez (Ah-bee-us-zell) Brayden Theriot (TAIR-ee-oh) Charleston RiverDogs 360 Fishburne St. • Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 843.723.7241 • Fax: 843-723-2641 Email: admin@riverdogs.com

Kamron Fields (Cameron) Luis Leon (LOO-ees lee-OWN) Jelfry Marte (Jeffrey) Gionti Turner (jee-ON-tee)

GET TO KNOW JACK SNYDER Hometown – Chicago, Illinois College – Western Carolina Acquired – Signed to a minor league contract by the Rays as an undrafted free agent in 2022

The 6-2 right-hander has been a very reliable addition to the back of the RiverDogs’ bullpen. Coming into the homestand, Snyder is 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA in 26.1 innings this season for the RiverDogs. He is a perfect 4/4 in save situations this season, which is the most on the team. Signed as a minor league free agent by the Rays prior to this season, Snyder began the year with High-A Bowling Green before coming to Charleston. Prior to signing with the Rays, Snyder played independent league baseball with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League in 2021.

There, he went 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 14 games with the Boomers. Snyder played college ball at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. He spent three seasons with the Catamounts. In his final season in Cullowhee, he made 21 appearances, finishing with a 2-1 record and 2.46 ERA and being named Southern Conference Pitcher of the Month in May. Snyder’s performance on the field this season is one of the many reasons why the RiverDogs are in a position to clinch a playoff spot in the first half.

1 10

42

Other team in Minor League Baseball that has avoided losing a series to this point in the season (Somerset). The RiverDogs have won or split every one of their 11 series this season.

Number of categories in the Carolina League that outfielder Mason Auer ranks among the top 10 hitters in.

Runs batted in collected by first baseman Bobby Seymour this season. That total is tied for second in the Carolina League.