Former Cougars Star Mathis Leads Pelicans to Victory Over RiverDogs

Mathis' ninth-inning homer helps Myrtle Beach rally past Charleston in early-season matchup.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:49pm

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Former College of Charleston standout Cole Mathis hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning to lead the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to a comeback victory over the Charleston RiverDogs. The RiverDogs fell to 0-2 on the young season after the late-game heroics from Mathis.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup between the Pelicans and RiverDogs features two teams with strong local ties, as Mathis is a former star for the College of Charleston Cougars and the RiverDogs are Charleston's minor league affiliate. The game highlights the regional rivalry and passion for baseball in the Carolinas.

The details

With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Mathis stepped up and delivered a go-ahead home run to lift the Pelicans to victory over their in-state rivals. The RiverDogs had taken an early lead, but the Pelicans rallied late to hand Charleston its second loss to start the season.

  • The game took place on April 4, 2026.

The players

Cole Mathis

A former star player for the College of Charleston Cougars who now plays for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The minor league baseball team based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Charleston RiverDogs

The minor league baseball team based in Charleston, South Carolina and affiliated with the New York Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“It was a big moment for me to come through for the team like that, especially against our in-state rivals.”

— Cole Mathis, Pelicans Player

What’s next

The Pelicans and RiverDogs will face off again on April 6 in the rubber match of their three-game series.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between the Pelicans and RiverDogs showcases the regional baseball rivalry and passion in the Carolinas, with a former local star delivering the game-winning hit for Myrtle Beach.