Pelicans Edge RiverDogs 2-1 in Series Opener

Published on July 1, 2025 under Carolina League (CarL)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release

Myrtle Beach Pelicans exchange high fives with Leonel Espinoza
(Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

The RiverDogs (41-35) scored first in the opening inning when Theo Gillen singled to score Narciso Polanco, with a fielding error by Pelicans center fielder Leonel Espinoza allowing Gillen to reach second, making it 1-0.

The game remained tight until the eighth, when Espinoza homered off Charleston reliever Citelli, scoring Ty Southisene to give the Pelicans (33-41) a 2-1 lead.

Pelicans starter Will Frisch pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts and one walk.

Yoendris Gonzalez (4-1) earned the win with 2.0 scoreless innings, and Luis Martinez-Gomez secured his second save, pitching 2.0 scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

Charleston's Trevor Harrison threw 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing five hits, but Citelli took the loss and a blown save, surrendering Espinoza's homer.

Espinoza led the Pelicans, going 1-for-4 with a two-run homer, while Matt Halbach went 2-for-3. Owen Ayers, Jose Escobar, Christian Olivo, and Alexey Lumpuy each contributed a hit, with Lumpuy adding a triple. For Charleston, Gillen went 3-for-4 with an RBI. The Pelicans went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine runners on base, while the RiverDogs went 1-for-7, leaving five.

The Pelicans continue a three-game road series against the Charleston Riverdogs (Tampa Bay Rays) at 7:05 E.T. on Wednesday, July 2. LHP Ethan Flanagan (1-0, 0.90) is expected to start for Myrtle Beach against an undecided arm for Charleston.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans exchange high fives with Leonel Espinoza

Carolina League Stories from July 1, 2025

• Bullpen Tosses Five Shutout Frames in Kannapolis' 7-2 Win over Hickory Tuesday - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• FredNat Comeback Thwarted by Weather in 6-0 Loss at Delmarva - Fredericksburg Nationals
• Harrison Throws Seven Shutout; RiverDogs Fall Late - Charleston RiverDogs
• Pelicans Edge RiverDogs 2-1 in Series Opener - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Jacob Cravey's Excellence Leads Delmarva to Shutout Win over Fredericksburg - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Fayetteville Takes Series Opener from Mudcats - Carolina Mudcats
• Stellar Pitching, Early Offense Lead Cola to 6-2 Win - Columbia Fireflies
• Hillcats Shut out in Rain Shortened Game - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Hillcats Announce Fan Information for the 4th of July - Lynchburg Hillcats
• RiverDogs Announce Two Additions to Hall of Honor - Charleston RiverDogs
• Columbia Fireflies Game Notes 7.1 at Augusta - Columbia Fireflies
• Fireworks with the Philharmonic Rescheduled to July 3 - Columbia Fireflies

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.

Other Recent Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stories

• Massive Holiday Savings Unveiled
• Annual Trick-Or-Treat Event Set for Saturday, October 25
• Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Game Postponed
• Jostin Florentino Announced as a 2025 Carolina League All-Star
• Fireflies Eliminate Pelicans with Stellar Pitching in 2-1 Win