NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans Eventually Walk To Season-Opening Win

April 4, 2008 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Pelicans endured a season-opening marathon and emerged victorious, claiming victory, 2-0, over the Wilmington Blue Rocks in 13 innings Friday night at Wilmington.

The two teams each used a string of pitchers in a scoreless ballgame that stretched first to extra innings, and eventually to the 13th frame. Right-hander Gilbert De La Vera entered to begin the 13th and promptly gave up a single to Gorkys Hernandez. Hernandez was sacrificed to second by Travis Jones, after which the Blue Rocks elected to intentionally walk Brandon Hicks to put two men aboard. Tyler Flowers was then walked by De La Vera to load the bases and bring up Ernesto Mejia. De La Vera recovered to strike out Mejia, but then walked both Roberto Alvarez and Willie Cabrera to score two Pelicans runs. Hernandez scored the game-winner and was followed home by Hicks.

On this night, that was more than enough for the Pelicans pitching staff. Starter Tommy Hanson was the story for the Pelicans, as the lanky right-hander worked five hitless innings and fanned 13 Blue Rocks in just those five innings of work. The 13 strikeouts was a career high for Hanson, and were recorded in dominating fashion through just five innings and 16 total batters. In fact, only two balls were put in play during his five innings of work.

Hanson's mound counterpart, Blake Wood, was nearly as effective, working 5 1/3 scoreless innings and striking out nine. Neither starter factored in the decision however, as both worked deep into their bullpens. For the Pelicans, Gonzalo Lopez followed Hanson with two scoreless innings, and Ferdin Tejeda added another. Kevin Gunderson was the fourth pitcher into the ballgame, and he recorded two more scoreless innings. Gunderson pitched through the 10th inning, and turned it over to eventual winner Bryan Dumesnil (1-0), who worked out of a bases loaded jam in the 11th inning to post two more scoreless innings.

Brett Butts was the sixth Pelican hurler employed as he faced the minimum in picking up his first save of the season by recording the final three outs in the 13th inning.

The Blue Rocks also had an impressive string from their bullpen, including three innings of scoreless relief for both Aaron Hartsock and Tyler Chambliss. De La Vera (0-1) was tagged with his first loss of the season after surrendering the game's lone runs.


• Discuss this story on the Carolina League message board...

Carolina League Stories from April 4, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central