Pelican Players Extend Their Season in the Can-Am League

Published on August 25, 2006 under American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


The beauty of baseball is that there is always an opportunity to play somewhere. That is the case for Pensacola Pelicans outfielder/ second baseman Ed Montague, designated hitter George Branch and pitcher Sam Smith.

The trio will be continuing their 2006 season with teams in the Canadian-American League and will re-join the Pelicans in 2007. Right-handed Smith left for the North Shore Spirit on Thursday, Montague heads to the Quebec Capitales, and Branch will join the Nashua Pride. Both Branch's and Montague's last game with the Pelicans is tonight.

Montague has been one of the best all around players in the American Association this season; he is currently hitting .325 in 79 games and has been great in the field. He has scored 45 runs and driven in 34 on 83 hits, including 19 doubles, 4 triples, and 5 homeruns.

Sam Smith is 5-7 for the Pelicans this season and has thrown a team high 113 innings. He has a 4.46 ERA and 56 strikeouts. Smith has developed into the Pelican ace the second half of the season. In his last start, Tuesday, Smith threw 8.2 innings giving up only two earned runs and one walk while striking out a season high nine batters to pick up the win.

Branch has always been a fan favorite at Pelican Park and has had a solid season. He is hitting .265 in 2006. He is also second on the team with 11 homeruns and has tallied 16 doubles. Branch is third on the team with 46 RBI and he has scored 35 runs. He will be joining the Nashua Pride (20-15) and former teammate Larry Bethea.

The Canadian-American League first got a taste of what the Pensacola Pelicans had to offer when slugger Larry Bethea was traded to the Nashua Pride in the beginning of August. Bethea is hitting .320 in 19 games for the Pride and has seven homeruns to go along with 17 RBI. Nashua was 17-25 in the first half of the season, but they are 14-6 since Bethea has joined the club, third in the league for the second half.

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



American Association Stories from August 25, 2006


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