CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Comeback Effort Falls Short as Pelicans Hold On

Published on July 28, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


WOODBRIDGE, Va- After an opening evening that saw a combined 23 runs, 23 hits, and five errors, a pitching clinic was not likely to occur in game two of the Nationals-Pelicans series from Pfitzner Stadium. Contrary to Monday's affair, Myrtle Beach jumped out to a sizable advantage early, only to see the P-Nats claw back and nearly pull off an impressive comeback. But the rally fell short in the ninth inning, as the Pelicans held on to take game two 7-6.

In game one of this three-game set, the P-Nats led by as many as 13 runs before withstanding a barrage of Pelican hits in the final two innings to hold onto a 14-9 victory. In a turnabout of fair play, the Pelicans plated six runs in the second inning off P-Nat starter Hassan Pena to give themselves a large lead early in the contest.

There were five hits in the Myrtle Beach half of the inning, with Gerardo Rodriguez supplying an RBI double and Donell Linares knocking a two-run single to push the Pelican advantage to 6-0.

Pena struggled in his first outing at Pfitzner Stadium this season, going just three innings, allowing all six runs in that second frame. Pena (0-1) did strike out two in his time on the hill.

The P-Nats would get on the board off Pelican starter Cole Rohrbough in the bottom of the second inning as Chris Marrero blasted his 14th home run of the season high off the scoreboard in left-center field. It was Marrero's 60th RBI of the season and began yet another multi-hit effort for the Potomac first baseman. On the day, Marrero went 2-for-3 with two runs scored to raise his batting average on the season to .304.

With the score sitting at 7-1, the P-Nats would begin the comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning, clawing back from the early deficit. Marrero walked to lead off the frame and Jesus Valdez doubled off the left field wall to put runners on first and third with nobody out. Francisco Plasencia laced a ground ball up the middle to score two to cut the lead to 7-3, and two batters later, Brian Peacock tattooed a Rohrbough offering deep over the centerfield fence, a two-run shot to turn the tilt into a nail-biter at 7-5.

It was Peacock's third home run of the season and gave him 19 RBI on the season.

Unfortunately for the P-Nats, the Pelicans bullpen was not to be messed with on this night. Tommy Palica (4-1) and Craig Kimbrel combined for four innings pitched while striking out 10 Potomac batters. All in all, Myrtle Beach would strike out 12 P-Nats while the Nationals themselves would set down 10 Pelicans on the evening.

It took until the ninth for the Nats to cut the lead to just a single run when Tim Pahuta roped an RBI single to right field off Cory Gearrin to trim the deficit to 7-6 as runners occupied on the corners. It was just the second earned run that Gearrin has allowed this season for the Pelicans. With two down and two on, Gearrin induced a ground ball off the bat of Michael Martinez to end the ballgame, setting the stage for the rubber match in tomorrow's contest.

That game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 ET as Wednesday will bring the finale of the series with the Pelicans. It will be Belly Buster Night at the Pfitz! For just $12, fans can get all-you-can-eat Moe's Southwest Grill burritos and select items from Bob Evans, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and much much more while supplies last. Also, bring in your receipt from any Wendy's Old-Fashioned Combo Meal and receive one FREE Grandstand ticket with the purchase of another Grandstand ticket. So loosen your belts and come on down to watch the P-Nats in their quest to repeat as Mills Cup champions!

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Carolina League Stories from July 28, 2009


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