CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Heath, Cofield untouched in doubleheader

Published on May 13, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


WOODBRIDGE, VA - Game One: Deunte Heath was one strike away from no-hitting the Potomac Nationals as the Pelicans took game one of a twi-night doubleheader, 6-1, at Pfitzner Stadium on Tuesday night.

Heath walked four, but hadn't permitted a base hit with two outs in the seventh inning and two strikes on Francisco Placencia before Plasencia lined a single back up the middle to break up the no-hit bid. Heath struck out the next batter, Seth Bynum, to end the ballgame as the Pelicans won their fifth consecutive ballgame. Heath (5-1) turned in the first complete game of the season for a Pelicans' pitcher and won for the fifth time, striking out four in seven innings.

The P-Nats used an unearned run to take the lead in the bottom of the second. With one away, Frank Diaz drew a walk from Heath. He promptly stole second base before advancing to third on a ground out from Placencia. Bynum then sent a ground ball to Chad Lundahl at second base that was misplayed, allowing Diaz to score with the game's first run.

Nationals' starter stymied the Pelicans for five innings, allowing no runs on four singles. Nunez struck out four in the outing.

The birds got out the bats following his departure to overtake the P-Nats. With two outs in the sixth inning, reliever Carlos Martinez walked Brandon Hicks. Tyler Flowers followed with a single and Ernesto Mejia was hit to load the bases. Martinez departed in favor of Adam Carr, but Carr walked Brandon Powell to force in Hicks with the tying run. Willie Cabrera followed with an RBI-single to the hole on the left side of the infield to give the Pelicans the lead and keep the bases loaded. Then, Concepcion Rodriguez stepped in and delivered a two-run double to make it 4-1. Lundahl completed the two-out rally with a two-run single to right-center field to cap the scoring, 6-1.

The win extended the Pelicans longest win-streak of the season to five games. Martinez (0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing three earned runs in 2/3 of an inning.

Game Two: The Pelicans completed the doubleheader sweep as Kyle Cofield battled through 5 2/3 scoreless innings and Myrlte Beach won their sixth straight, 1-0.

The Pelicans broke through first in a game-two pitcher's duel in the fifth inning. A walk by P-Nats' starter Terrance Engles opened the door as Concepcion Rodriguez drew a free pass. A batter later, Robert Marcial laid down a bunt single to put two aboard. With two outs, Travis Jones singled back up the middle to plate Rodriguez with the game's first run.

Pelicans starter Kyle Cofield battled through 5 2/3 laborious innings, but ultimately held the P-Nats at bay, scattering seven hits in the process. Cofield stranded runners in every inning, totaling 10 during the six innings he was a part of. That included departing in the sixth inning with the bases loaded. Bryan Dumesnil took over and flew out Matt Rogelstad to end the threat and keep Cofield in position to win.

Kevin Gunderson ensured that win, working a perfect seventh inning, striking out Chris Marrero to end the ballgame. Gunderson collected his league-leading 10th save in the process.

Game three of the series will be contested on Wednesday night at Pfitzner Stadium at 7:05 PM. RHP Ryne Reynoso (3-1, 3.44) will make the start for the Pelicans against LHP Ross Detwiler (2-2, 4.45) for the Nationals.

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Carolina League Stories from May 13, 2008


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