CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans Game Notes

Published on August 30, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


Myrtle Beach Pelicans (88-49, 43-24) vs. Kinston Indians (70-65, 35-31)

Saturday, August 30 -- 7:05 PM

BB&T Coastal Field -- Myrtle Beach, SC

Game #138, Home Game #67

TODAY'S GAME AT A GLANCE: The Pelicans enter game two of their series looking to become the winningest team in Pelicans franchise history. With the Warthogs win last night over the Keys, the Pelicans and the Warthogs will square off in the divisional series of the playoffs, starting on September 3rd. In addition, with a win tonight, the Pelicans will lock away the second half Southern Division title.

Last night, Carlos Rivas tossed five innings to earn his sixth win of the season. Ernesto Mejia had a huge day, going 3-5 with four runs scored and three RBIs.

TODAY'S PITCHERS: In a matchup of right-handers, the Pelicans send Jaye Chapman to the mound for his first start, while the K-Tribe counter with Carlton Smith.

Chapman: Making only his sixth professional start and first in 2008. His last start was on August 7th, 2006 when he took the hill for the Danville Braves against the Pulaski Mariners. In five starts back in '06, he posted an 0-0 record with a 6.28 ERA. Chapman has been stellar out of the bullpen for the Birds this season. In 26.2 innings, he has allowed only eight earned runs. He has a solid K:BB ratio of 23:10. He has not allowed a run in five of his last six appearances. In his last 16.1 innings, Chapman has allowed just 11 hits and three earned runs. Last time against the K-Tribe (8/5), he earned the win in a scoreless inning of work.

The Lynn Haven, Florida native was selected as a draft and follow in the 16th round of the 2005 draft. Played collegiately at Chipola JC, the same college as Pelicans catcher Tyler Flowers.

Smith: Hoping to become the second pitcher in the Carolina League to achieve 12 wins (Scott Diamond). Second on the Kinston staff in innings pitched (140.2) behind Hector Rondon. Leads the K-Tribe staff in double plays induced. His defensive has turned 12 double plays behind Smith. Has struggled in his last two starts. In his last nine innings, he has allowed 16 hits and nine earned runs. However, Smith has won six of his last eight starts. In three starts against the Birds, he has a 1-2 record with a 3.93 ERA. In 18.1 innings, the Pelicans have recorded 16 hits and 12 runs against him. Smith excelled in the month of May, when he posted a 3-1 mark with a 1.04 ERA. Smith has faltered in the first innings this year, where he has an ERA of 6.84.

A native of Plainfield, NJ, Smith played collegiately at Okaloosa-Walton CC in Florida. Last season, he went 11-6 with a 4.42 ERA for Lake County in the South Atlantic League.

MAGIC NUMBER DOWN TO 1: Already post-season assured, the Pelicans currently boast a magic number of one to claim the second half title as well.

COUNTDOWN TO ATTENDANCE RECORD: With four home contests remaining in 2008, the Pelicans are pulling closer to the overall 10-year franchise attendance record of 234,020 (2000). The Pelicans are currently 3,243 fans shy of eclipsing the mark.

PLAYOFF ROSTER FORMING: The Atlanta Braves made a bevy of moves yesterday to position the Pelicans for the playoff run. RHP Jeff Lyman was promoted to Double-A Mississippi to make a spot-start for the playoff-bound M-Braves. Lyman has returned to the Pelicans after a five shutout innings in his Double-A start. SS Chad Lundahl, who spent time with the Pelicans earlier in the season returns from Rome to bolster the infield, as Brandon Hicks nurses a hamstring strain. RHP Kyle Cofield returns to the Disabled List with shoulder soreness. The Carolina League All-Star will be shut down for the season and will leave the club today. In his place, RHP Craig Kimbrel joins the Pelicans from Rome. Lyman's return has put the Pelicans at the maximum of 25 active players. Playoff rosters are due by Wednesday at Noon.

PELICANS GARNER POST-SEASON RECOGNITION: 3rd year skipper Rocket Wheeler was named the Carolina League Manager of the Year. Five Pelicans were named to the Post-Season All-Star Team. They include: Tyler Flowers (.285, 16 HR), Ernesto Mejia (.273, 20 HR), Travis Jones (.248, 16 HR), Brandon Hicks (.235, 19 HR) and Willie Cabrera (.290, 16 HR). The Pelicans had the most players named to the end of season team.

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Carolina League Stories from August 30, 2008


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