CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans Game Notes

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


Myrtle Beach Pelicans (53-32, 8-7) vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks (41-44, 6-9)

Saturday, July5 -- 7:05 PM

BB&T Coastal Field -- Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Game #86, Home Game #39

TODAY'S GAME AT A GLANCE: Although unable to finish off the sweep of the P-Nats, the Pelicans still return to the Grand Strand on a high note following a series win over the Northern Division leaders. The Pelicans finished the road swing 4-2. The Birds have dominated the Blue Rocks this season, taking seven of ten meetings. However, in the only series at BB&T Coastal Field, the Rocks took two of three (5/16-18).

TODAY'S STARTING PITCHERS: In a meeting of southpaws, Atlanta Braves hurler Mike Hampton will make the start for Myrtle Beach against Paul Mildren, who faces the Pelicans for the first time.

Hampton: Making his sixth start in the minors this season and his fourth in the last two weeks as he attempts to return for a 14th big league season. Hampton is recovering from a strained left oblique and a torn flexor in his throwing elbow. In his last rehab start (6/30) for the Rome Braves (A), he went 3.0 innings and allowed eight hits and four runs but most importantly, he reported no discomfort. In his two starts in the Gulf Coast League, he combined for 5.2 innings, allowing just four hits and no runs. The last time that Hampton pitched for the Braves was August 19th, 2005 against the San Diego Padres. He was hit with the loss in 3.1 innings, allowing 11 hits and seven runs. The loss dropped his record to 5-3. The finest season of his big league career was 1999 with the Houston Astros when he posted a 22-4 record with a 2.90 ERA. He finished second in the Cy Young voting behind Randy Johnson.

The Evergreen, Colorado resident was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round of the 1990 draft. Following a six-year stint with the Astros, he spent one season with the Mets and two seasons with the Rockies before the Braves acquired him through a trade in '05. Hampton holds a career record of 138-101 with a lifetime ERA of 3.97.

Mildren: Making just his second start of the season for the Blue Rocks. In his only other start for the Rocks (6/30 vs. LYN), he went five innings and allowed seven hits and four earned runs in a losing effort. Mildren has spent significant time this season at both the Double-A (Northwest Arkansas Naturals) and Triple-A (Omaha Royals) levels. In 13 appearances (10 relief) for the Naturals, he posted a 2-5 mark with a 7.36 ERA. In four appearances out of the pen for Omaha, he had a 2.70 ERA.

The Adelaide, Australia native was first signed as a free agent by the Florida Marlins back in 2001. Claimed by the KC Royals off waivers in 2007. Had his best season in 2005 with Jupiter of the FSL, when he posted a 10-3 record and a 3.09 ERA.

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.

REHAB HISTORY IN MYRTLE BEACH: Mike Hampton is the fifth Atlanta Brave to make a rehab appearance for the Pelicans in Myrtle Beach. The last two Braves rehab stints were DeWayne Wise and Marcus Giles back in 2004. Giles went 1-13 in four games, while Wise went 4-16. In 2000, Steve Avery made seven starts for the Birds, going 3-3 with a 1.53 ERA, while in 2007 Ryan Drese made six starts, going 0-3 with a 6.88 ERA.

CABRERA STREAKING AGAIN: Pelicans left fielder Willie Cabrera will put his 23-game home hitting streak on the line tonight against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The streak is the longest of its kind this season in the Carolina League. Remarkably, the last time in which Cabrera did not record a hit at home was on May 6th.

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Carolina League Stories from July 5, 2008


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