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After Opening Day Game, Pelicans to See the Color Purple

May 14, 2009 - American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


Over 1,800 fans filled Pelican Park for a night of fun, games, and a very exciting first game of the season. The Pensacola Pelicans came back from a deficit, but ultimately dropped a pitcher's duel to Shreveport-Bossier 3-2 in 10 innings. While the final score wasn't ideal, the Pelicans fans had plenty to feel good about.

The stong pitching staff lived up to its billing, as Pelicans' starter Dan Smith went seven innings giving up only one run. For the Captains, hurler Thad Markray allowed two runs in eight innings.

Defense was the name of the game in this one, as the Pelicans turned four double plays, including a peculiar one that started in the outfield. In the top of the fourth inning, Shreveport-Bossier's Rafael Ozuna lifted a fly to left field with runners at second and third. The Pelicans' Marcos Rodriguez caught the ball for one out, and then, as Andres Rodriguez tagged from third and headed home, Jose Torres tagged from second and headed for third. The left fielder wisely threw directly to third base, where Luis Guance tagged out Torres to complete the double play and end the inning before Andres Rodriguez could touch home plate.

The Captains scored the incipient run in the top of the first, as Jonathan Reynoso singled to right field to start the game. He moved to second when Dan Smith hit Richard Paz with a pitch. Dwayne White singled Reynoso home with a base hit to left-center to put the Captains on the board first.

The Pelicans answered back with two runs in the third inning, when Jimmy Mojica led off the bottom of the inning with a triple. Luis Guance helped him home with a sac fly to tie the game, and then Rafael Alvarez hit a double. The next batter, Luis Bautista, hit an RBI single to put the Pelicans ahead 2-1.

The score stood 2-1 Pelicans up until the top of the eighth. Jonathan Reynoso walked to reach base for the third time in 4 plate appearances, and Richard Paz laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to second. Dwayne White hit a ground-rule double in the right field corner to score Reynoso and tie the game at two apiece.

The score stood through the regular nine innings, but broke when pinch runner Albert Gonzalez scored the game winning run. Aaron Cone walked to begin the top of the tenth, but manager Ricky VanAsselberg substituted the speedy Gonzalez for Cone at first base. Gonzalez moved to second on a Reynoso sacrifice, and then came in to score on a Dwayne White RBI single.

The Pelicans host the Shreveport-Bossier Captains again tomorrow in game two of a four game home stand. Projected starters are LHP Ronald Lowe for the Captains, and RHP Kyle Middleton for the Pelicans. Making a special appearance in a Pelicans uniform will be the Pelicans' latest acquisition, Fred Levin.

Fred Levin will be taking the field on behalf of the Autism Society. Levin signed a professional contract to appear on the Pelicans' roster for tomorrow's game with a $500 signing bonus, all of which will go to charity. But the jersey Levin will be wearing is not the typical home white...

Everyone suiting up for the Pelicans tomorrow will sport purple jerseys to raise awareness for Relay For Life, a benefit put on by the American Cancer Society. During the game, the jerseys will be the subject of bidding in a silent auction. At the conclusion of the game, the silent auction winners will be presented with the special purple jerseys, with all proceeds benefitting chartitable organizations.

Come out to Pelican Park tomorrow to cheer on Fred Levin and support Relay For Life. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Don't forget to wear purple...



American Association Stories from May 14, 2009


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