The Matchup Is In: Charleston Set to Face Hickory in 2026 Division Series
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston RiverDogs are headed back to the postseason and will face the Hickory Crawdads, the Single-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, in the first round of the 2026 Carolina League playoffs.
The best-of-three Division Series opens Tuesday, September 8, at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. After capturing the Carolina League South Division First Half title, the RiverDogs are guaranteed to host Game 2 on Thursday, September 10, at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park at 7:05 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 will also be played at The Joe on Friday, September 11, also at 7:05 p.m.
RiverDogs Playoffs are presented by Nucor Steel Berkeley, who will help bring a sizzling playoff atmosphere to The Joe when Charleston takes the field in September. Single-game postseason tickets are on sale now.
Game 2 on September 10 is another Thirsty Thursday, featuring $1 beers and discounted drinks presented by Budweiser, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The ballpark will also turn gold as we rally behind the club’s pursuit of another championship, with the first 2,500 fans through the gates receiving a gold T-shirt, thanks to Nucor Steel, Allegiance Flag Supply, and Gildan.
The series marks the first postseason meeting between Charleston and Hickory. The two clubs squared off for 12 games during the regular season, with the Crawdads winning the season series 7-5. The teams have not met since June.
Both clubs feature highly regarded prospects. Charleston has seven players on the Tampa Bay Rays' Top 30 prospects list, including two MLB Top 100 prospects: infielder Cooper Flemming (No. 83) and infielder Grady Emerson (No. 10).
Hickory is represented by seven players on the Texas Rangers' Top 30. Additionally, catcher Noah Franklin, who grew up locally in West Ashley, will make the trip.
The playoff berth is the RiverDogs' first since 2024 and their fifth postseason appearance in the last six seasons since rejoining the Tampa Bay Rays organization in 2021. The RiverDogs are also seeking their first Carolina League championship since 2023, when Charleston captured its third consecutive league title.
Should Charleston advance, the Carolina League Championship Series is scheduled to begin Sunday, September 13, with the RiverDogs hosting Game 1.
Games 2 and 3, if necessary, will be played at the North Division champion's ballpark (Fredericksburg or North 2nd-half winner) on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16.
2026 RiverDogs Division Series Schedule (Best of 3)
Game 1: Tuesday, September 8, — at Hickory, L.P. Frans Stadium
Game 2: Thursday, September 10, 7:05 p.m. — Charleston, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
Game 3 (if necessary): Friday, September 11, 7:05 p.m. — Charleston, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
2026 Championship Series Schedule (Best of 3, if Charleston advances)
Game 1: Sunday, September 13, 5:05 p.m. — Charleston, Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
Game 2: Tuesday, September 15 — Home of North Division Winner
Game 3 (if necessary): Wednesday, September 15 — Home of North Division Winner
About the RiverDogs
The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and three-time Carolina League Champions. The RiverDogs play their home games at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, a Charleston staple since 1997. 2026 single game tickets are on sale now at RiverDogs.com. Beyond baseball, the RiverDogs host year-round events in the climate-controlled Segra Club.
Active members of the Lowcountry community, the RiverDogs were named the winner of the 2025 'MiLB Together Award,' which recognizes a team for outstanding commitment to charitable service in their community.
Team merchandise is always available at the RiverDogs Team Store. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact the RiverDogs front office at 843-577-3647 (DOGS) for more information.