CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans Game Notes

Published on July 6, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


Myrtle Beach Pelicans (54-32, 9-7) vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks (41-45, 6-10)

Sunday, July6 -- 7:05 PM

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

Game #87, Home Game #40

TODAY'S GAME AT A GLANCE: The Pelicans aim to secure the series win in game two against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. With their 1-0 win last night, the Pelicans have now taken eight of eleven meetings from Wilmington. The combined shutout by Mike Hampton, Carlos Rivas and Bryan Dumesnil was the fifth shutout for the Birds this season. It was their third 1-0 shutout.

Rehabbing big leaguer Mike Hampton pitched five solid innings last night for the Pelicans. Hampton fanned six and did not walk a single batter.

TODAY'S STARTING PITCHERS: In a meeting of right-handers, Jeff Lyman will make his third start of the season against Ed Cegarra, who is making his eighth start for the Blue Rocks.

Lyman: Beginning to thrive in a starting role for the Pelicans. In his second and last start, he allowed just one hit in five innings on the road against the Frederick Keys. He also struck out seven and walked two. Lyman was superb in his only other start (6/21 @ LYN), when he allowed just three hits and no runs in four innings of work. Overall, he has made 23 appearances for the Pelicans. In 53.0 innings, he has surrendered 37 hits and 18 earned runs. The Carolina League is hitting just .187 against Lyman. He has shutout the opposition in five of his last six outings.

The native of San Francisco, California was selected in the second round of the 2005 draft (77th overall). The only current Pelican who was drafted higher is Eric Campbell, who was also taken in the second round (71st overall) of the '04 draft. Last season, Lyman was in the Rome Braves starting rotation for the entire campaign. He made 20 starts and posted a 5-8 record with a 4.59 ERA.

Cegarra: Has seen a drastic range of success in his first seven starts with the Blue Rocks. In his last two outings, he has allowed 13 hits and 10 earned runs in 10.2 innings. He lost both starts to the Avalanche and Hillcats. However, in his two starts prior, he allowed 10 hits and only one earned run in 13.2 innings. Cegarra has not earned a winning decision since he defeated the K-Tribe on June 2nd in seven outstanding innings. In 43.0 total innings, he has allowed 42 hits and 23 earned runs. He has struggled in first innings this season, giving up six hits and five runs in seven first innings.

A native of Barinas, Venezuela, he began the 2008 with the Burlington Bees, where he made eight starts before being promoted. He is in his third professional season with the Royals organization.

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.

RUN SCORING QUARTET: The Pelicans have scored 466 runs this season, the most in Carolina League by 37 runs over the Potomac Nationals. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that four Pelicans rank in the top six in runs scored. Ernesto Mejia is third (58), Willie Cabrera and Travis Jones are tied for fourth (53) and Brandon Hicks in sixth with 51. All four have a great chance to surpass the franchise single-season record of 82 runs scored set back in 2002 by Richard Lewis.

SLUMPING MEJIA: Pelicans first baseman Ernesto Mejia is in a rare funk since the all-star break. Mejia is 5-35 (.143) since winning the Carolina Cooling Home Run Derby. In addition, he has struck out 13 times and has not hit a home run. In the first half of the season, Mejia hit .284 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs.

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Carolina League Stories from July 6, 2008


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.

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