CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Hoover, Bullpen Blank Dash to Set Up Sweep

Published on June 8, 2010 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


MYRTLE BEACH, SC - On a night where phenom Stephen Strasburg whiffed 14 Pittsburgh Pirates in his Major League debut, Pelicans starter J.J. Hoover continued some mastery of his own, shutting down the powerful Winston-Salem Dash lineup over six shutout innings en route to a 2-0 Pelican victory.

It took Hoover 99 pitches through his six innings of work, but the burly right-hander struck out five and walked three while allowing only two hits in his time on the hill. Since tweaking his mechanics before his May 7 start, Hoover has become one of the best pitchers in the Carolina League. Over his last six starts, Hoover (4-3) has gone at least six innings in each outing, allowing just six runs in that span, good for an ERA of 1.36 (6 ER/39 2/3 IP). Over his last six appearances, Hoover has cut his ERA in half from 6.35 to 3.18, good for seventh in the Carolina League.

The Birds would supply the only offense Hoover would need in the bottom of the fifth inning off Dash starter Charlie Leesman (7-2). Speed demon L.V. Ware continued his on-base streak, bunting for a base hit to lead off the frame. Two batters later, Dan Nelson doubled off the base of the right-center field wall to bring home Ware with the Pelicans first run, Nelson's eighth RBI since joining the Pelicans. With two outs in the frame, Mike Jones chopped a single that glanced off the glove of second baseman Drew Garcia allowing Nelson to score the game's second run.

After Hoover departed from the ballgame, the bullpen picked up right where the righty left off. Former Major Leaguer Scott Proctor, looking to climb his way back to the big leagues, made his Carolina League debut, tossing a shutout inning, striking out a batter and hitting 94 mph on the radar gun. Angelo Paulino and Benino Pruneda each followed up with scoreless innings of their own as Pruneda picked up his fifth save of the season by striking out the side in the ninth.

It was just the second shutout of the season for the Pelicans who have now won three of the last four series. The Birds will go for the sweep of the front-running Dash tomorrow evening as Randall Delgado (2-5, 2.50) will take on Terry Jones (2-2, 2.77) with first pitch set for 7:05 ET.

One of the most popular promotions for the Pelicans this season, Webkinz Wednesday returns for the finale of this three-game series with the Dash. For the fourth installment, the first 500 kids 12 and under will receive the Clydesdale Webkinz, so be sure to get here early to pick up yours! In addition to Webkinz Wednesday, it will also be Karate Kid night at the ballpark in honor of the 2010 remake of the classic 1980s movie.

Check out the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Carolina League Stories from June 8, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central