Pelicans Game Notes

Published on May 31, 2011 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release

LHP Nick Haughian (1-2, 5.01) at LHP Robbie Ross (5-1, 2.88)

THAT'S RARE: Yesterday's loss was unique in that the Pelicans dropped a game in which they scored first, outhit their opponent, hit a home run and did not commit an error. Prior to yesterday, here was the team's record in those situations: Scoring first (22-4), Outhiting opponent (24-3), Hitting a home run (14-7) and Going without an error (17-7).

TEMPERATURE'S RISING: After getting the day off yesterday, Mike Olt returns to the lineup riding a five-game hitting streak. The third baseman is 7-for-15 with two home runs, five RBIs, five runs scored and five walks during that stretch, all five games were Pelicans wins. Olt leads the Carolina League in on base percentage (.414) and walks (33). He's raised his batting average to .296, a mark that is good for sixth-best in the circuit.

TRYING TO MAINTAIN: Even with yesterday's loss, the Pelicans sit atop the Southern Division with a mark of 30-20. Myrtle Beach holds a four-and-a-half-game lead over the 25-24 Kinston Indians and Salem Red Sox. With only 20 games remaining in the first half, the Pelicans only need to tread water the rest of the way. Even with a .500 finish, Salem and the K-Tribe would have to finish 15-6 to catch the Birds at 40-30. Although 12 of the last 20 are away from BB&T Coastal Field, only ten are against teams that currently hold a winning record (3 at FRE, 3 at KIN, 4 vs. FRE).

THE GIFT AND THE CURSE: Barret Loux's hard, diving curveball generates a lot of missed swings. That pitch has helped the big Texan strike out 56 batters in 50 and one-third innings. Not only is that total of 56 the fifth-most in the league, he ranks fourth in the loop in strikeouts per nine innings with 10.01. However, that hook has also contributed to his league-leading total of 10 wild pitches. He threw two yesterday, both of which brought home a run.

Carolina League Stories from May 31, 2011

• Pitcher's Duel Favors Pelicans - Frederick Keys
• Mitchell Double Caps Ninth-Inning Comeback - Winston-Salem Dash
• Rodriguez Slam Sends Hillcats Over Salem - Hill City Howlers
• [rocks Media] Marks Stellar in Shutout Setback - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Ross Brilliant in 2-1 Pelicans Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Not as Grand: Hillcats Win 12-10 - Salem RidgeYaks
• He Went to Jared: Mitchell Wins It for Dash - Potomac Nationals
• Kinston Blanks Blue Rocks 1-0 - Kinston Indians
• Winston-Salem Dash Game Notes - Winston-Salem Dash
• Wieland Again Named Pitcher of the Week - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Bayne Returns to Winston-Salem - Winston-Salem Dash
• Pelicans Game Notes - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Wilkins Named CL Player of the Week - Winston-Salem Dash
• Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers
• K-Tribe Baseball Camp July 6th Through the 8th - Kinston Indians

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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