Hillcats fall in home opener
Published on April 15, 2011 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release
Lynchburg, VA- A capacity crowd and a home run from Adam Milligan wasn't enough to propel the Hillcats to victory, as they fell to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 7-2, in the home opener at Calvin Falwell Field Friday night.
Myrtle Beach struck first in the second inning. After a leadoff double by third baseman Michael Olt, Jared Hoyling grounded the ball to Hillcats shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Instead of throwing to first, Simmons rushed a throw to third to try to retire the lead runner. However, the throw got under the glove of third baseman Joe Leonard, allowing Olt to score. Hoyling advanced to third on a stolen base and a wild pitch, and scored on a single by Travis Adair.
Lynchburg starter Arodys Vizcaino gave up two singles and a walk in the top of the third before Jared Hoying grounded into a fielders choice that allowed the Pelicans to add a third run on the board. Vizcaino (1-1) ended the evening giving up three runs, but only one was earned, in five innings pitched.
Adam Milligan led off the top of the third inning by hitting a home run, his first of the season, over the center field fence. The home run was the first, and only, hit the Hillcats would get off of Pelicans' starter Robbie Erlin.
After several scoreless innings for both teams, Ryan Kelly came in to relieve Erlin (1-0). Phil Gosselin grounded out, but Todd Cunningham and Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg hit back-to-back singles to put a runner in scoring position for the first time in the game for Lynchburg. Joe Leonard followed with a single up the middle that scored Cunningham, and cut the lead to 3-2.
That was the closest the Hillcats would get. In the top of the ninth, Myrtle Beach sent all nine batters to the plate and brought four runners home to extend the lead to 7-2, which held up as Kelly picked up the three-inning save, his third of the year.
Lynchburg manager Luis Salazar got a standing ovation from a crowd of over 5,100 as the game began. Salazar was coaching for the first time since being struck by a line drive in Braves spring training.
The Hillcats lost their fifth straight and fell to 1-5 on the year. Myrtle Beach improved to 4-3.
Lynchburg will try to right the ship Saturday night when they send right-hander Zeke Spruill (0-0) to the mound. The Pelicans will counter with righty Barret Loux (0-0). First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m. Saturday night will be the first "Smoke Free" School Night of the season, and will also be a Schedule Magnet Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans through the gates, presented B&C Sports and WYYD.
If you can't make it to the game in person, the Hillcats On-Deck Show presented by Honda/Suzuki of Lynchburg will go on the air at 5:40. Tune in to 105.5 KD Country or go to lynchburg-hillcats.com to listen live to all the action.
Carolina League Stories from April 15, 2011
- Rocks Take Home Opener With Dramatic Comeback - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Keys Win Third Straight and End Salem Winning Streak - Frederick Keys
- Family of four can take in a night of Myrtle Beach baseball for $54 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Dash Rallies Late to Take Home Opener - Winston-Salem Dash
- Solid Rosenbaum Start Wasted in First Road Loss - Potomac Nationals
- Winston-Salem Gets by Kinston 5-3 - Kinston Indians
- Erlin throws six sparkling frames, Birds break out with four-run ninth - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Hillcats fall in home opener - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Home Opener Dash Game Notes - Winston-Salem Dash
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