Villanueva Stays Hot, Birds Win 5-3

Published on July 28, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, came from behind with five unanswered runs Saturday, topping the Winston-Salem Dash 5-3 at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.

Down 3-0 after the first inning, the Pelicans chipped away with two in the second, one in the sixth and two more in the seventh. It's Myrtle Beach's fourth straight come-from-behind victory.

Tied at three in the seventh inning the Pelicans finally knocked Winston-Salem starter Steve McCray from the mound when the first two batters reached. Santiago Chirino reached when he was hit by a pitch. Teodoro Martinez took first base on a sacrifice bunt that turned into a base hit. Reliever Matt Wickswat came in and allowed a sac bunt and then intentionally walked Tomas Telis to load the bags. Two batters later Christian Villanueva delivered two runs with a single.

The performance continues and amazing hot streak for Villanueva. The third baseman is 16-28 over the last seven games with 12 RBI and two homeruns. He also drove in the game's tying run in the sixth.

On the mound, Ben Henry went an inning plus before being lifted for an apparent injury. He was replaced by Roman Mendez, who struck out nine in six scoreless frames. Mendez earned the win, his fourth. Ben Rowen captured his 13th save, pitching the final five outs.

The Birds look to take the series win with a victory Sunday at 6:05. Kyle DeVore takes the hill with postgame fireworks, presented by HTC, following the game. For ticket call 843-918-6000 or head to MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.

Carolina League Stories from July 28, 2012

• Villanueva Stays Hot, Birds Win 5-3 - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Pelicans Score Final Five Runs in Narrow Win - Winston-Salem Dash
• Big Sixth Inning and Rain Propels Mudcats - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Gallas Rains on Blue Rocks, Snaps Skid at Six - Carolina Mudcats
• Souza Jr.'s Last Blast Leads Potomac to Victory - Potomac Nationals
• Souza Jr. Downs Keys in Ninth - Frederick Keys
• Hillcats Take 3-1 Pitchers' Duel from Sox - Salem RidgeYaks
• Scoreless Schlosser Leads Way to 3-1 Hillcats Win - Hill City Howlers
• Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Two to IR, Pair Join Dash - Winston-Salem Dash
• Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers

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.

Other Recent Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stories

• Cespedes's Three-Run Blast Pushes Birds Past Nationals, 8-7, on Champion Forward Night
• Espinoza's Homer Not Enough, Birds Fall to Nationals, 9-7
• Home Runs Hurt Pelicans in 6-3 Loss to Nationals
• Pelicans Outlast Nationals 11-8 in Slugfest
• Valdez Launches Extra-Inning Walk-Off Grand Slam to Topple Nationals 11-9