CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (50-30, 5-5) vs. Frederick Keys (37-43, 3-7)

Published on June 30, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


TODAY'S GAME AT A GLANCE: The Pelicans claimed their seventh straight win over the Keys with a 4-1 decision in last night's game one. Kyle Cofield was magnificent for the birds, limiting Frederick to a lone run on four hits over six innings. The win, coupled with a Potomac loss to Kinston gives Myrtle Beach the best record in the Carolina League (50-30). With a win either tonight or tomorrow, the Pelicans will claim their third consecutive series win over Frederick and second at Harry Grove Stadium.

TODAY'S STARTING PITCHERS: In a duel between right-handers, Jeff Lyman makes his second start of the season for the Pelicans against Pedro Beato, who returns to the mound from the disabled list for the Keys.

Lyman: Made 20 appearances prior to and one after his first start of the season out of the bullpen where he opened the season. He pitched extremely well in his first start of the year, turning in four scoreless innings on three hits against the Lynchburg Hillcats on the road. His return to the rotation signals a return to familiar territory for Lyman, who spent the first three seasons of his professional career exclusively as a starter, and most of 2007 as well, making 24 starts before converting to the bullpen for the tail end of the year with the Pelicans (six relief appearances).

Drafted out of Monte Vista (CA) High School in the second round of the 2005 (77) draft by the Braves, the 21-year old Lyman is attempting to get back on track after a rocky 2007. He is currently the second highest drafted Pelican, taken higher than every other bird except Eric Campbell who was selected with the 71st overall selection in 2004.

Beato: Returns to the mound for the first time since being placed on the disabled list following his start on May 13th. Prior to injury, the Dominican-born right-hander was off to a solid start to the campaign, posting a 3-2 record and an ERA of 3.89. He made seven starts including one against the Pelicans. In that outing, he recorded the win, holding the Pelicans to a lone run on just three hits over six innings.

A first round draft choice of the Orioles in 2006 (32), Beato is one of four first round draft choices on the Keys roster. Originally from the Dominican Republic, the 21-year old attended high school in Brooklyn, NY (Xavieran HS). He went on to St. Petersburg College where he was drafted by the Mets in the 17th of the 2005 draft. He returned to school and rose to the first round in 2006.

MYRTLE MASHING: Despite the Oceanic breezes and spacious confines of BB&T Coastal Field, the Pelicans continue to lead the Carolina League with 85 home runs. That total through 80 games put the birds on track to shatter the existing franchise record for home runs in a season (105), set in 1999. Four Pelicans have hit double-digits in longballs. Brandon Hicks (13), Ernesto Mejia (12), Jon Mark Owings (11) and Travis Jones (10).

SOUPS ON PART TWO: Eric Campbell has been a run-producing machine since joining the Pelicans on May 26th. In just 31 games, Campbell has cranked eight home runs and driven in 33 runs. That pace of more than an RBI a game would have put him on pace for 149 over a full season and still has him on track for 97 for the season.

GORKYS HAS A FUTURE: Pelicans outfielder Gorkys Hernandez has been named to the 2008 MLB Futures game to be played on July 13th at Yankee Stadium. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Futures Game. Hernandez will represent his native Venezuela on the World roster. Last season, he was selected to the Futures Game as a member of the Detroit Tigers organization.

Check out the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Statistics

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



Carolina League Stories from June 30, 2008


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