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CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Cats scratch back, steal game one in 14th

June 5, 2006 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH S.C. - It was a game that saw a little bit of everything. The series opener between the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Lynchburg Hillcats mixed 20 total runs, 28 combined hits, late inning heroics, late inning disasters, extra innings, and anything else you can think of, but in the end it was the Hillcats that celebrated an 11-9 victory in a marathon 14-inning game.

The Pelicans looked to be on their way to an easy victory after scoring five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of 3B Van Pope and a two-run home run launched by C Clint Sammons.

An inning later the Pelicans one big swing of the bat put two more runs on the board. After a lead-off walk drawn by RF Carl Loadenthal, LF Brandon Jones connected for his team-leading 6th homer of the season, a two-run job to give the Birds a sizable 7-1 lead.

After the offensive explosion in the first two innings the Pelicans bats cooled off, while the Hillcats warmed things up. Lynchburg SS Brian Bixler smacked a solo home run over the right-centerfield fence to pull the Cats to within five, 7-2.

In the 6th the visitor's chipped away at the lead again this time striking for two runs to cut the Birds lead to 7-4. An RBI triple courtesy of DH Neil Walker, and a run-scoring base hit off the lumber of C John Suomi, plated the runs for the Cats, who were just getting started.

With the Pelicans still on top 7-4 and in need of just one out to pick up their 6th straight win, the Hillcats worked a little magic. RF Matt Meath drew a two-out walk and then came around to score on a double to right from CF Nyjer Morgan, which made the score 7-5. LF Pedro Powell was pulled in favor of pinch-hitter Brad Rea, who proceeded to rip a line drive into left field, scoring Morgan to make it a one-run game, 7-6. With Rea on at first, Bixler became the hero for the time being as he scorched a deep shot over the left field wall, giving the Cats an improbable 8-7 lead in the final inning.

As devastating as the comeback was the Pelicans didn't give up. In the bottom of the 9th Pope walked to start the inning. A sacrifice bunt laid down by DH Mark Jurich pushed Pope to second with one out. Sammons then lofted a fly ball to right field, which appeared to be a routine catch by Meath, but the ball squirted out of his glove and fell to the turf, an error, allowing Pope to go to third and Sammons to reach. The next batter, 1B Greg Creek, bounced into a fielder's choice which brought Pope across with the tying run to force extra innings with the score 8-8.

In the top of the 10th the Hillcats took the lead again as Meath redeemed himself after making the error in the 9th with a clutch RBI single to right, scoring Walker, who led the inning off with a walk.

With the Cats on top 9-8 in the bottom of the 10th the Pelicans once again had to work some dramatics. Loadenthal sparked the rally with a single to right, and moved to third on an error charged to Lynchburg 3B Vince Rooi on a bunt pushed down by 2B J.C. Holt. With runners at second and third and no outs, Lynchburg reliever Ramon Linares uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Loadenthal to score, tying the game at 9-9. CF Matt Young drew a walk to put runners at the corners, and Jones was intentionally walked to load the bases with nobody out. However the golden opportunity would somehow come up empty as Pope flew out to shallow center, Jurich hit a soft grounder to first which allowed a force out at home, and Sammons popped out to right, to end the big threat.

The two teams worked a tie into the top of the 14th which is when the Hillcats would take the lead for good. In the 14th, Walker unloaded a two-run bomb over the right field wall, on top of the home clubhouse, his first home run of the season, to give the Cats a decisive 11-9 advantage.

Pelicans reliever David Watkins (L, 0-3) took the loss after allowing the homer in the 14th to Walker. Starter Luis Atilano worked five innings and gave up four runs on eight hits, while fanning four and walking one. He left with the lead, but took the no-decision. Reliever Michael Nix was strong in 3.2 innings of relief, but gave up two runs on just one hit, and walked two. Ralph Roberts let up three runs thanks to three hits in 4.1 innings out of the pen. Lynchburg starter Derek Hankins was lit up for seven runs on seven hits in just two innings, but was picked up by his teammates as they came back to steal game one. Reliever Felipe Garcia (W, 2-1) earned the win after tossing 4.2 frames that saw him give up one run over three scattered hits. Closer Matthew Bishop (S, 1) picked up a save by slinging a scoreless bottom of the 14th.

It's a doubleheader on Tuesday night starting at 5:02 pm, featuring the Pelicans and Hillcats. Gates will open at 4:02 pm for the twinbill, which will make up a rain out in Lynchburg from May 7th. For tickets call 843-918-6000 or purchase tickets online at myrtlebeachpelicans.com.

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