CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans Game Notes

Published on July 4, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


TODAY'S GAME AT A GLANCE: Having secured their first series win of the season at Pfitzner Stadium with an 8-3 win last night, the Pelicans now eye a series sweep of the P-Nats in the series finale this evening. A victory would also allow the birds to even the season series at eight games apiece. The two teams will finish their season series with a four-game series on the Grand Strand in August. With their wins in the first two games of the series, the Pelicans have assured that they will end their current road-trip with the league's best record. They currently have a two-game advantage on the Nationals at a mark of 53-21.

TODAY'S STARTING PITCHERS: In a meeting of right-handers, Kyle Cofield will make the start for Myrtle Beach against Jeff Mandel, who faces the Pelicans for the first time.

Cofield: Following an outing where he didn't make it out of the first inning against the Salem Avalanche three starts ago, the Carolina League All-Star has been fantastic. In his last two outings combined, the 21-year old has allowed just three earned runs on seven hits over 13 innings. He has not faced Potomac since the second week of May, when he made back-to-back starts against the P-Nats, going 1-0 while allowing just two earned runs in 8.2 innings. Cofield has been outstanding on the road, sporting an ERA of 2.27 in six road starts as opposed to a 3.61 mark in 10 starts at home. His overall ERA of 3.08 ranks him fifth in the league, but his 50 walks lead the loop. He has harnessed his control of late, issuing just one walk in each of his last two starts, the first two times he has allowed less than two walks in an outing.

The Gadsden, Alabama native was selected in the eighth round of the 2005 June free agent draft. In his first three professional seasons prior to ‘08, he compiled a 6-11 record with a 4.76 ERA, splitting time between relieving and starting.

Mandel: Promoted by the Nationals from Low-A Hagerston at the end of May despite posting a 4-3 record and 5.21 ERA. The Nationals faith has been awarded however, as Mandel has been one of the most consistent P-Nats starters since coming to the Carolina League. He has compiled a 2-1 record with an ERA of 3.42. He is coming off his shakiest outing of the season, having permitted five earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings to the Kinston Indians his last time out. He will be facing the Pelicans for the first time in his career, missing Myrtle Beach the last time through the rotation.

Spending four years at Baylor University, the 23-year old was drafted in the 19th round of the 2007 draft by the Nationals. He helped lead the Bears to the College World Series in his sophomore season (2005). He made one start in 2007 with short-season Vermont before bumping up to Low-A Hagerstown where he spent the rest of the season.

FREE PASS TO THE RECORD: Pelicans catcher Tyler Flowers is approaching the Pelicans single-season franchise record for walks. Amazingly, the power hitter has already received 62 free passes from Carolina League pitching. His 62 walks places him tied for third all-time in a single-season. He tied Carl Loadenthal (62, 2006) for third by walking last night. Matt Young walked a franchise record 71 times during the 2006 season.

HAMPTON HOTEL: Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Hampton is set to make a rehab start with the Pelicans on Saturday, July 5th. Hampton hasn't appeared in the Major Leagues since 2005, but threw three innings with the Rome Braves on Monday night, conceding eight hits and four runs, but striking out five. He will be the first Brave to rehab with the Pelicans since 2004.

BEACH BOMBS: With two more home runs last night, the Pelicans have now belted a league-best 94. On their current pace, the Pelicans would hit 157 home runs, which would be 52 more than the current franchise record of 105, set in the team's inaugural season of 1999. Potomac is second in the league with 86 homers.

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Carolina League Stories from July 4, 2008


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