RiverDogs RunDown May 3-8

LEADING OFF

5 8 19

SERIES PREVIEW

FLYIN’ HAWAIIAN MAKES IMPACT EARLY ON

BY THE NUMBER

The RiverDogs are back at home for the first time in two weeks, as they welcome the Fayetteville Woodpeckers to The Joe for a six-game series. This will be the first meeting of the season between the clubs, and the first of two series coming this season.

The Woodpeckers will host the RiverDogs in August. The teams played in one series last season, with the RiverDogs sweeping the six game series at The Joe. Fayetteville is an affiliate of the Houston Astros, and are led by manager Joe Thon, who is in his first season with the Woodpeckers. Thon is back with the Astros organization after spending the 2019 season as an intern. He spent the previous two seasons in college ball, as an assistant on the Houston Cougars staff. His father, Dickie Thon, played for 14 seasons in the Major Leagues for six different teams, including six seasons with the Astros from 1981-1987. The Woodpeckers come into this series with an 8-13 record. In their last series, they split a six-game series against Kannapolis. The Woodpeckers have a team batting average of just .217; however, they have 25 home runs, which is the best in the Carolina League and tied for second in Single-A. They are also getting it done on the basepaths, as they are second in the Carolina League (fourth in Single A), behind only the RiverDogs, in stolen bases with 42.

The RiverDogs are coming off of a two-week road trip, where they went 8-4 overall.

They won five out of six against the Salem Red Sox, who was leading the division at the time, and split a six game series against the Fredericksburg Nationals. With a 13-8 record, the RiverDogs have found their stride at the plate. The team has the highest batting average in the Carolina League, and second in Single A, with a .261 team average. Dru Baker has led the way at the top of the lineup. In 13 games this season, Baker is hitting .435 with three home runs and 14 RBI this season. Baserunning has also been a huge part of the RiverDogs success this season. Entering the homestand, the team has 45 stolen bases this season, which leads the Carolina League and is good for second overall in Single-A baseball

Tuesday, May 3, 7:05 p.m.: Dog Day presented by Twisted Tea: On the first day of the homestand, we hope to see you and your dog at the game! The RiverDogs invite you to bring your pup to The Joe for each Tuesday home game this season. This week we will feature the Corgi! 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, May 4, 7:05 p.m.: Wicked Wednesday presented by Wicked Weed: Make sure to keep an eye out every Wednesday for a new wicked ticket deal. This week, General Admission tickets are just $4 with the code:WD0504. Every Wednesday, we will also focus our attention on local businesses and food concepts. This week, Co Hog, a clam-centric culinary pop-up serving stuffies, fritters and more with New England gumption will take over one of our concession stands for the night.

Thursday, May 5, 7:05 p.m.: Cinco de Mayo/Perros Santos de Charleston presented by MUSC Health/ Thirsty Thursday presented by Budweiser: We’ll help celebrate Cinco de Mayo by suiting up as Los Perros Santos de Charleston for the first time this season as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. Los Perros Santos have partnered with La Raza 103.9 to bring DJ Manolo and Viva Mexico folkloric dancers for festive pregame entertainment.

The Joe will have a fiesta-like vibe all night with Spanish PA announcers and Mexican food specials. 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.

Enjoy live Latin music in the Ashley View Pub courtesy of a DJ Luigi. Bottoms up! Thursdays are presented by 95sx.

Friday, May 6, 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 brand-new red alternates 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 along with a soundtrack of hits from the 2000s. Fridays are presented by 103.5 WEZL and Live 5 News.

Saturday, May 7, 6:05 p.m.: Saturdays Live at The Joe presented by Breeze Airways/PostGame Light Show: 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, May 8, 5:05 p.m.: Mother’s Day/ MUSC Health Family Sunday/Holy City Sunday: On this special Sunday, we will celebrate mothers from the time the gates open until the final pitch.

In lieu of the typical headshots, our players will be pictured with their mothers on the video board throughout the game. In the meantime, our Kids Zone will feature a crafts table for children to make special Mother’s Day gifts. 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. In addition, the team will be sporting their brand-new Holy City uniforms. Sundays are presented by Mix 95.9, Star 99.7 and ABC News 4.

The Charleston RiverDogs are looking to defend their first League Championship in franchise history.

They wrapped up their first homestand on April 17 with a 5-4 record to start out the year.

2022 has presented its own challenges to the RiverDogs. This year’s team is much younger than last year’s championship team, and many are coming from the FCL Rays. One of those young players is Outfielder, Shane Sasaki.

Sasaki is 21 years old from Honolulu, Hawaii. The speedy outfielder was taken by the Tampa Bay Rays in the third round of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft. The third round falls on day two of the draft, which starts at 12 pm est. Because of the six-hour time difference between Hawaii and the east coast, Sasaki was forced to get up at 5 am that morning, which is tough for somebody that is not a morning person.

“I got the call from the Rays at about six in the morning,” said Sasaki. I was not completely locked in when they called me, so it did not hit me until an hour later that I was going to be a Major Leaguer.”

Despite the success on the field, baseball was not the sport that Sasaki enjoyed the most growing up. In fact, it was his least favorite sport growing up. He preferred football and basketball over baseball; however, he realized that baseball was the sport that he had the brightest future in, and a thumb injury while playing football his freshman year at Iolani High School is what led him to focus more on baseball.

Even though baseball was not his favorite sport, there was one player that Sasaki grew up watching and looked up to. “My favorite baseball player growing up was Manny Ramirez,” said Sasaki. “The game was boring for a while, but [he] had fun while playing the game and was fun to watch. It made the game fun again.”

While baseball may not be one of the main sports in the state of Hawaii, the state has seen a great amount of success over the years at the youth level. Honolulu has gone to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to play in the Little League World Series twice since 2018, winning it all in 2018, going 5-0, and placing third in the tournament in 2021, going 4-1.

Sasaki was committed to play baseball at Cal Poly in college, though he decided to sign with the Rays and report to the GCL site in Port Charlotte, Florida. That is where he met current RiverDogs Pitcher, Ben Peoples, who roomed with Sasaki in their first year of pro ball.

“He’s a really chill guy,” said Peoples. “There’s nothing bad to say about him. He’s a nice guy; outgoing.

When we found out he is from Hawaii, it made a lot of sense because he seemed to have that chill, surfer vibe to him.”

The two bonded over video games, specifically NBA 2K, MLB The Show, and Rocket League. Peoples says that Sasaki is the best at NBA 2K, but he is the best at MLB The Show.

The two friends played the 2019 season with the GCL Rays. In 13 games with the GCL Rays, Sasaki struggled, hitting .182 with 18 strikeouts in 44 at bats.

Due to Covid-19, the 2020 minor league baseball season was cancelled. As a result, there were many players that lost a year of development due to the cancellation. The Rays, however, sent Sasaki to play the season in Australia to further his development in professional baseball. Sasaki again struggled, hitting .179 in the Australian Baseball League, but says he learned a lot from that year. He was one of the youngest guys in the league.

In 2021, though, he was sent back to what is now the Florida Coast League (FCL), which is where he found success. In 33 games and 144 plate appearances, he hit .290 two home runs and 16 RBI while also swiping 22 bases.

Sasaki’s speed is a perfect fit for the 2022 RiverDogs, who are very aggressive on the base paths.

Entering the homestand, the team has 45 stolen bases combined. Of the 45 stolen bases, Sasaki has 18 of them, which not only leads the team, but all of minor league baseball. He is a perfect 18 for 18 in the stolen base department this season.

He has found himself a spot in the top of the order, hitting leadoff for a majority of the games that he has started. After a strong road trip, he is hitting .284 with six RBI and a .342 OBP coming into the homestand.

Sasaki and the RiverDogs caught fire on the road trip, winning five of six against the division leading Salem Red Sox. They also split the six game series with the Fredericksburg Nationals. They look to continue that success in the month of May. They welcome the Fayetteville Woodpeckers into town on May 9th for a six game series. This will be the first of three home series in the month of May.

Charleston RiverDogs 2022 Roster Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays Pitchers (15) Catalina, Neraldo Cortorreal, Aneudy Fernandez, Christian Fields, Kamron Galue, Over Gaston, Sandy Goss, JJ Jimenez, Antonio Munoz, Victor Peoples, Ben Snyder, Jack Vernon, Austin Whitten, Kyle Wicklander, Patrick Workman, Logan Catchers (3) Berglund, Michael Dimon, Dawson Leon, Luis Infielders (6) Chevez, Freddvil Marte, Jelfry Seymour, Bobby Turner, Gionti Vasquez, Willy Williams, Carson Outfielders (4) Auer, Mason Baker, Dru Manzueta, Oneill Sasaki, Shane Injured List (6) Rivera, Juan Schnell, Nick 9 Spikes, Ryan Theriot, Brayden Whittle, Daiveyon Wiles, Nathan

No. 20 24 16 22 25 26 21 30 12 11 34 23 38 33 15 No. 8 28 10 No. 27 2 31 1 13 7 No. 19 5 17 6 No. 29

April 26 B R R R R R R R L R L R R R R R B L R S B R L L R R R B R R R R B R L R R R R

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

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

Wt Birthplace 205 El Seibo, DR 260 Santo Domingo, DR 216 Cabimas, VEN 202 Dallas, TX 227 Santa Barbara, VEN 230 Matanzas, Cuba 202 Houston, TX 158 San Pedro de Macoris, DR 230 Mao, DR 185 Columbia, TN 205 Chicago, IL 262 Raleigh, NC 198 Manassas, VA 221 San Jose, CA 203 Chattanooga, TN Wt Birthplace 182 Corpus Christi, TX 208 Lancaster, CA 218 Maracay, VEN Wt Birthplace 270 Masaya, Nicaragua 189 La Vega, DR 275 Harvey, IL 177 Pine Bluff, AR 201 Santo Domingo, DR 185 San Diego, CA Wt Birthplace 199 Joplin, MO 195 Tomball, TX 221 Santo Domingo, DR 168 Honolulu, HI Wt Birthplace 257 San Cristobal, DR 180 Indianapolis, IN 198 Conyers, GA 210 Houston, TX 235 Fresno, CA 225 Overland Park, KS

Birthdate 06/21/00 12/13/99 08/11/99 09/24/98 07/31/01 12/16/01 12/25/00 05/06/01 12/25/00 05/01/01 08/04/98 02/08/99 09/22/98 12/31/99 12/06/98 Birthdate 07/18/97 05/17/99 09/10/98 Birthdate 03/13/00 03/27/01 10/07/98 08/17/00 09/06/01 06/25/03 Birthdate 03/01/21 03/22/00 02/07/01 07/01/00 Birthdate 06/04/98 03/27/00 03/13/03 12/19/96 11/11/99 07/02/98

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

College None None None Texas Southern None None None None None None Western Carolina NC Central Virginia Arkansas Lee University College Cisco College None None College None None Wake Forest None None None College San Jacinto Texas Tech None None College None None None Texas State Fresno CC Oklahoma

Acquired Trade/2019 Int. FA/2018 Int. FA/2016 20th/2021 Int. FA/2017 Int. FA/2018 CBA/2019 Int. FA/2018 Int. FA/2017 22nd/2019 UDFA/2022 10th/2021 UDFA/2021 8th/2021 7th/2021 Acquired 8th/2018 34th/2018 Int. FA/2015 Acquired Int. FA/2017 Int. FA/2017 13th/2021 Trade/2018 Int. FA/2019 1st/2021 Acquired 5th/2021 4th/2021 Int. FA/2018 3rd/2019 Acquired Int.FA/2019 1st/2018 3rd/2021 UDFA/2019 23rd/2018 8th/2019

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) Freddvil Chevez (FRED-veel SHUH-vez) Aneudy Cortorreal (ahn-YOO-dee cort-OH-ree-al) Dawson Dimon (die-min) Kamron Fields (Cameron) Over Galue (oh-VAIR GAHL-oo-way) Sandy Gaston (SAHN-dee GAH-stone) Luis Leon (LOO-ees lee-OWN) R.C. Lichtenstein (lick-tin-stine) Oneill Manzueta (OH-kneel MAHN-zway-tuh) Jelfry Marte (Jeffrey) Victor Munoz (MOON-yoze) Frank Jagoda (juh-GO-duh) Gionti Turner (jee-ON-tee) Charleston RiverDogs 360 Fishburne St. • Charleston, SC 29403 Phone: 843.723.7241 • Fax: 843-723-2641 Email: admin@riverdogs.com

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GET TO KNOW DRU BAKER Hometown – Tomball, TX College – Texas Tech Acquired – 2021 Fourth Round Pick (130 Overall)

The 22-year old is off to a hot start in his first season with the RiverDogs. As of April 27, Baker is hitting .435 and reached base safely in his first 12 games of the season. He also leads the team in home runs with three, and is tied for the team lead in RBI with 14. Prior to being drafted by the Rays, Baker was a three-year starter at Texas Tech.

He helped guide the Red Raiders to a College World Series appearance as a freshman infielder in 2019, before transitioning to the outfield his sophomore year. Before starring at Texas Tech, Baker was a two-sport athlete at Tomball High School. He was ranked as a top 40 prospect in baseball (no. 4 shortstop) and was a two-time, first team all-district quarterback at Tomball. Baker’s presence in the RiverDogs’ lineup has been electrifying, and his effort in the outfield has been exuberating. He is definitely a player to keep an eye on when you come out to The Joe this season

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18 .261

11

Stolen bases for Shane Sasaki in 18 attempts this season.

That number is tied for the most in all of Minor League Baseball.

The team batting average of the Charleston RiverDogs entering this series. They lead the Carolina League in that category.

Strikeouts for pitcher Logan Workman in his last outing.

The right-hander is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday and Sunday this week..