Amaya's Big Night Not Enough as Hillcats Stun Pelicans, 5-3
May 20, 2016 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release
Gioskar Amaya of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans
(Myrtle Beach Pelicans)
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Gioskar Amaya had two hits and two RBI but the Lynchburg Hillcats got three runs in the ninth to knock off the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5-3 at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark Friday.
With the Pelicans (22-18) leading 3-2, the Hillcats' ninth inning rally began with one out when Lynchburg (28-13) right fielder David Armendariz dropped a single into left against Pelicans closer James Farris (0-1). Sicnarf Loopstok followed with a single to left before Mark Mathias reached on an infield single that clanked off Farris' glove.
With the bases loaded and one out, Greg Allen saw seven pitches before looping a two-run single to right to give the Cats their first lead of the night. Claudio Bautista followed with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 5-3.
Amaya doubled with one out in the bottom of the ninth to give the Pelicans hope. The next two batters made bids to tie the game, but strong defense from the Hillcats sealed the win for Lynchburg.
The game began with three scoreless innings from both starters. But in the bottom of the fourth, Pelicans left fielder Ian Happ rocked a double to the gap in right center. He would later come home to score on a wild pitch to give the Birds a 1-0 lead.
With two outs in the inning, Jeffrey Baez drew a walk before Daniel Lockhart reached on an infield single. After another walk, Amaya came through with a clutch two-run single to left to make the score 3-0 Myrtle Beach.
Jeremy Null worked five shutout innings of two-hit ball before running into trouble in the sixth. After retiring the leadoff man, Null uncharacteristically walked three straight hitters. Tommy Thorpe came out of the bullpen, allowing a sacrifice fly which cut the Myrtle Beach lead to 3-1. He then struck out Armendariz to maintain the lead.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Mark Mathias added a solo home run to pull the Hillcats to within one, setting up the ninth inning rally.
Lynchburg reliever Jared Robinson (1-0) worked four scoreless innings to earn the win in his Advanced-A debut. Robinson fanned four.
Happ and Amaya both finished with two hits for Myrtle Beach, while Jeffrey Baez reached base three times.
Jake Stinnett (3-0, 2.94) will take the ball Saturday for the Pelicans, to be opposed by Sean Brady of Lynchburg. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on MyrtleBeachPelicans.com and the TuneIn App. Saturday is Military Appreciation Night at TicketReturn.com Field, and the first 1,000 fans will receive a card set dedicated to local veterans.
The 2016 season is the 18th season for the Pelicans franchise and second as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2016, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail info@myrtlebeachpelicans.com, or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.
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 Gioskar Amaya of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans |
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