Pelicans Edge Mudcats 3-2 in Extras
May 16, 2015 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release
ZEBULON, NC - Jose Briceno hit a game tying home run in the ninth, but the Mudcats left two on in the 12th and lost game two of a three game series against the Pelicans 3-2 on Saturday night in front of 5,388 fans at Five County Stadium.
Briceno's home run was his first and it forced the Mudcats (19-14) into extra innings for the first time this season. The home run was hit on the first pitch thrown by Myrtle Beach (22-12) reliever Zach Cates (BS, 1) and tied the game at 2-2.
The Pelicans scored the go-ahead run in the 12th after Mark Zagunis led off the inning with a triple to right that narrowly escaped the leaping reach of outfielder Connor Oliver. Zagunis scored two batters later on a double to left from Jeimer Candelario and the Pelicans jumped out in front again 3-2.
Both Johan Camargo and Keith Curcio had two-out hits in the Carolina half of the 12th, but neither were able score. Camargo was left at third in the final inning when Sean Godfrey grounded out to second.
Andy Otero took the loss after allowing the triple and double in the 12th and final inning. Otero (0-1, 2.87) allowed three hits, one run and struck out one over two innings pitched.
James Pugliese (3-0, 1.80) picked up the win for Myrtle Beach after pitching two scoreless innings with two hits and one strikeout.
The Mudcats also used Matt Marksberry, Caleb Dirks and Mike Nesseth out of the bullpen in the loss. All three were outstanding in relief of Brandon Barker who started the game.
Marksberry retired five straight after coming into the game in the fifth in place of Barker. Dirks gave up two hits, walked three and stranded the bases loaded in the eighth before turning things over to Nesseth. Nesseth, who was sent to Carolina by the Braves earlier in the day, pitched two perfect innings in his organizational debut.
Barker started and went four and 1/3 innings with just two runs allowed on six hits. He allowed both runs in the fourth and lost a 1-0 lead. The Mudcats originally led first after getting one across in the second off Myrtle Beach starter Paul Blackburn. Oliver singled and scored on a single from Curcio in the second to give the Mudcats the 1-0 advantage.
Carolina lost the 1-0 lead in the fourth when the Pelicans collected three hits and two runs. Candelario led off the inning with a single to right-center, moved to third on a double by Ben Carhart and scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly from Trey Martin. Carlos Penalver then broke the tie with a two-out single to right and the Pelicans took their first lead 2-1 in the fourth.
The Pelicans have won two straight in the series and will look for the sweep on Sunday in the series finale. The first pitch of Sunday's game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and will be thrown by Carolina starter Sean Furney. Furney was transferred to Carolina earlier this week by the Braves and will be making his Mudcats debut. He started the 2015 season with Class A Rome. Tyler Skulina (1-2, 4.50) will start for the Pelicans in Sunday's finale.
All games air on the Mudcats Radio Network, The Big Dawg 98.5 FM, Rock City 99.3 and Sports 1490 AM. Games are also streamed online at www.carolinamudcats.com via TuneIn Radio and the TuneIn Radio app. TuneIn Radio is the official digital audio partner of MiLB.com.
Individual tickets are now available online at www.carolinamudcats.com, by calling (919) 269-2287 and by visiting the Five County Stadium box office.
Premium Field Level seats are $12.00, Box Seats are $10.00 and Cattail Skybox Seats are $15.00. Full season ticket packages, half season ticket packages, group tickets and the "Muddy Unreal Deal" plan are also currently available for purchase.
The Carolina Mudcats are the Class A Advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The 2015 "Braves New World" season is the first for the Mudcats as an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and their fourth straight in the historic Carolina League. First established in 1991, the Carolina Mudcats are in their 25th straight season of baseball at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, N.C. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting www.carolinamudcats.com.
Carolina League Stories from May 16, 2015
- Myrtle Beach Wins Fourth Straight - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Pelicans Edge Mudcats 3-2 in Extras - Carolina Mudcats
- Pinch Me: Hillcats Drop a Stunner - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Late Runs Not Enough in 5-2 Loss against Potomac - Frederick Keys
- McAvoy Shuts Down Dash, Sox Win Fourth Straight - Salem Red Sox
- Late Offensive Fireworks Give Rocks Come-From-Behind Win - Wilmington Blue Rocks
- Winston Blanked by Red Sox - Winston-Salem Dash
- May 16 Carolina Mudcats Game Information - Carolina Mudcats
- Potomac Nationals Game Notes at Frederick Keys - Potomac Nationals
- Former Pelican Wilfredo Boscan Promoted to the Major Leagues - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
- Hillcats Game Notes May 16, 2015, 6:30 P.M vs. Wilmington - Lynchburg Hillcats
- Pitcher Mike Nesseth Assigned to Carolina - Carolina Mudcats
- Winston-Salem Dash: Game Notes (May 16 vs. Salem) - Winston-Salem Dash
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