CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pelicans survive late rally to take game one, 5-4

Published on April 14, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


Myrtle Beach, S.C. - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans survived a late furious rally by the Winston-Salem Warthogs to hold on for a 5-4 victory in game one of the three game series. Kevin Gunderson pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure the win and pick up his second save of the year.

Pelicans starter Tommy Hanson (1-0) found himself in trouble in the first inning. With runners at first and third, the Warthogs used a double steal to score the first run. Pelicans catcher Tyler Flowers threw down to second to try and nail Brandon Allen. In the process, Salvador Sanchez was able to race home to put the Warthogs on the board.

The Pelicans energized the crowd in the fifth inning by scoring three runs to take a 3-1 lead. With Jon Mark Owings at third and Paul Bennett at second, Gorkys Hernandez singled in Owings. Then, Travis Jones laced a two run double down the right field line to bring home Bennett and Hernandez.

With the score still 3-1 in the seventh, the Pelicans added much needed insurance to their lead. Paul Bennett stood at first base as Gorkys Hernandez tripled down the right field to push the lead to 4-1. Travis Jones followed by hitting a deep sacrifice fly to center that scored Hernandez.

The Pelicans appeared to have the game on cruise control until the Warthogs mounted a rally in the top of the eighth. Three straight singles to start the inning by Paulo Orlando, Javier Colina and Salvador Sanchez trimmed the lead to 5-2. Then, with runners at second and third, Brandon Allen bounced out to second to score Colina. The next batter, John Shelby III, roped a single to right field that scored the third run of the inning and cut the lead to 5-4.

Kevin Gunderson entered in the ninth and proceeded to erase the chances of a Warthogs comeback. He retired Francisco Hernandez, Sergio Miranda and Paulo Orlando in order.

Pelicans ace Tommy Hanson lasted 5.0 innings and allowed just three hits. The only run he surrendered came in the first inning when he was slightly erratic. Hanson settled in nicely and shutdown the Warthogs in his final four innings. Ferdin Tejeda cruised through the sixth and seventh innings before running into trouble in the eighth.

The Pelicans employed a well balanced attack at the plate. Gorkys Hernandez and Tyler Flowers each had two hits. Further, seven of the nine starters recorded hits. For the first time this season, two Pelicans recorded multi-RBI games. Hernandez registered two, while Travis Jones notched a Pelicans season-high three RBIs.

The Pelicans are back home for game two of the series on Tuesday April 15th at 7:05 PM. Pelicans right hander Deunte Heath will go against Warthogs righty Aaron Poreda. Popular Nickelodeon star Dora The Explorer will be making an appearance at BB&T Coastal Field. For tickets and information, call the Pelicans box office at 843-918-6000.

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Carolina League Stories from April 14, 2008


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