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CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game Notes: April 23 vs. Carolina

April 23, 2019 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


Today, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans begin a three-game series at home against the Carolina Mudcats (a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate) with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. In the first contest, LHP Bryan Hudson (1-0, 3.52 ERA) makes his fourth start for the Birds against RHP Drew Rasmussen (0-0, 0.00 ERA). Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on MyrtleBeachPelicans.com/Broadcast, TuneIn and the MiLB First Pitch app.

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BIRDS FALL IN SERIES FINALE TO HILLCATS ON SUNDAY

The Lynchburg Hillcats downed the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 8-1 on Sunday from City Stadium. After the Pelicans drew first blood with a Cam Balego RBI single in the first, the Hillcats exploded for four runs on five hits in the bottom of the first. Adam Scott (2-1) struck out a career-high eight batters in the win for Lynchburg and the Pelicans only managed a run on five hits. The Birds still took the series 3-1.

RUN, PELICANS, RUN

The Pelicans are second in the Carolina League with 22 stolen bases on the year, only one behind the Wilmington Blue Rocks for the league lead. The last time the Birds led the league in steals was their last season as a Ranger affiliate in 2014. That year, they swiped 154 bags. Zach Davis, D.J. Wilson and Jimmy Herron are all tied for the team high in steals with four while Carlos Sepulveda has swiped three bags.

THREE IS A MAGIC NUMBER, BUT SO IS FIVE

Going five innings seems to be the key for Pelicans starters in the beginning of the season. In the first 18 games, the Birds starter has finished the fifth inning nine times. In those starts, they own a 2.97 ERA (15 ER over 45.1 IP). In the other nine starts that have not reached the end of the fifth, the Birds' ERA is 10.34 (36 ER over 31.1 IP). Paul Richan (2), Bryan Hudson (3), Luis Lugo (2), Javier Assad (1) and Oscar De La Cruz (1) have made the nine five-inning starts.

WE'RE BRINGING HUDDY BACK

Bryan Hudson has arguably been the best starting pitcher for the Pelicans in 2019. The left hander struggled with his command a year ago, leading all Pelicans starters with an 11.6 percent walk rate (the MLB average is around 8.5 percent), but this season, he owns a 7.5 walk rate. Among qualified pitchers this season, Hudson's groundball rate (63.8 percent) is also tops in the Carolina League and third at the High-A level.

LEGGO MY BALEGO

Since joining the club from Short Season Low A Eugene on April 16, Cam Balego has been an offensive force. The Pittsburgh native went 0-for-3 in his debut, but since, has hit .400 (6-for-15)/.474/.733 with 2 2B, a HR, 8 RBIs, 3 RS and 3 BB in three games. He already leads the Pelicans with three multi-RBI games. A season ago, Balego just hit .233/.296/.287 with Low-A South Bend in 38 games.

SUPER SEPULVEDA

The Pelicans second baseman, Carlos Sepulveda, is on a tear over his last 12G. In that span, he is hitting .286/.380/.286 with six RBIs, 7 BB, a SB and 4 RS. He tied a career high with a three-hit game on Thursday. Before missing the entire 2018 season with an injury, Sepulveda played in 28 games with the Birds in 2017.

FEELING THE PAYNE

The Pelicans backup catcher, Tyler Payne, has been swinging a hot bat for the Birds. Over a six-game hitting streak, he is hitting .348 (8-for-23) with 3 2B, a HR, 3 RBIs, 3 RS and a BB. Before the streak started, Payne began 1-for-7 at the plate.

DAVIS MAKING HIS MARK AT THE PLATE, BASES

Pelicans outfielder Zach Davis has been hot as well. Over his last six games, he is batting .412 (7-for-17) with a 2B, 2 3B, 2 RBIs, 4 RS, 4 BB and 4-for-4 in stolen bases. A year ago, his 38 stolen bases between the Midwest and Carolina Leagues were the most of any Cubs minor leaguer. His four this season are tied for seventh in the league and tied for second in the organization.

BRINGING UP THE BACK END

In the Pelicans' six wins this season, the Birds' bullpen has been the key. In wins, the bullpen has a 0.81 ERA (2 ER is 22.0). On the other hand, in losses, the Pelicans' bullpen owns a 5.66 ERA (35 ER over 55.2 IP). The 'pen has been much better as of late, though. In the last five games, in which the Birds are 4-1, the arms passed the starter have allowed just two runs over 16.2 innings (1.08 ERA).

BATS WARMING UP

Through the first 13 games of the season, the Pelicans scored a league-worst 39 runs (3.0/game). Over the last five games, the offense has picked it up. Combined, the Pelicans have scored 23 runs (4.6 runs/game) on 39 hits (7.8 hits/game). Out of those 39 knocks, 16 have been for extra bases. In the last five games combined, the Birds team slash line has risen from .183/.285/.264 to .205/.302/.317.

PELICAN POINTS

The Pelicans' four-game winning streak that was snapped on Sunday marked their longest winning streak since they won six straight from 7/10-7/16/2018... Saturday marked the first doubleheader the Birds swept since brooming Wilmington in a twin bill on 8/19/2017.

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