CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans Game Notes

Published on April 5, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


Myrtle Beach Pelicans (1-0) vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks (0-1)

Saturday, April 5 -- 6:05 PM

Frawley Stadium -- Wilmington, DE

Game #2, Road Game #2

HANSON HISTORICALLY MOWING EM' DOWN: Pelicans right-hander Tommy Hanson certainly got the season started in style for Myrtle Beach, striking out a career-high 13 Wilmington Blue Rocks on Friday night. Hanson topped his previous best of 12, which he posted on June 15th, 2007 while a member of the Rome Braves against the Columbus Catfish. The 13 strikeouts was also just one off the Pelicans' franchise record for strikeouts in a single game. That record is held by Kyle Davies who fanned 14 Kinston Indians on June 12th, 2004. Hanson now sits alone in second place on that list ahead of five other Pelican hurlers who put up 12 (Paul Bush, Daniel Curtis, Trey Hodges, James Parr and Scott Sobkowiak). Making the achievement all the more impressive was that the feat was accomplished in just five innings of work.

ALL THE BASEBALL YOU CAN HANDLE: The Pelicans and Blue Rocks certainly made up for a long off-season in a hurry in the season opener. Their 13-inning marathon represented the first extra-inning game on opening day in Pelicans' franchise history.

All told in 2007, the Pelicans only made it to the 13-inning mark on two occasions. On June 21st, 2007, they beat the Salem Avalanche, 6-5, on the road in 13 innings. The only game longer the entire season was on July 28th, when they needed 15 innings to best Lynchburg, 9-8.

PELICANS PROSPECTS: The Pelicans open the season with a prospect-laden roster that includes five of the top-30 prospects in the Braves' system as rated by Baseball America. Headlining the Myrtle Beach roster to open the season is #5 on that list, CF Gorkys Hernandez. Hernandez was obtained by the Braves in an off-season swap with the Detroit Tigers. Atlanta acquired Hernandez along with RHP Jair Jurrjens, who has opened the season as the number-three starter in the Atlanta rotation. Hernandez was named the most valuable player in the Midwest League while playing for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2007. He led the loop in stolen bases, swiping 54 while being caught just 11 times.

The Pelicans opening day starter, RHP Tommy Hanson, checks in at #9, while catchers Tyler Flowers and Phillip Britton rank #12 and #30 respectively. SS Brandon Hicks is rated as the #14 prospect in the Braves' chain.

GRAND STRAND LEGEND: Bruce "DC" Dal Canton remains the only pitching coach in Pelicans' franchise history, returning to the Myrtle Beach dugout for a 10th season. A giant of the game, more than 30 Pelicans hurlers have made the leap to the big leagues under his tutelage.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS: LHP Lee Hyde, RHP Jose Santiago, LHP Jon Venters; LHP Tyler Wilson and OF Quentin Davis will open the season on the Disabled List, and were placed there today (4/4).

Check out the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Statistics

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Carolina League Stories from April 5, 2008


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