Teheran Tosses Scoreless Inning in Futures Game

MYRTLE BEACH, SC- The Futures Game is a showcase of some of the best talent in all of Minor League Baseball, and it's an honor for anybody selected to strut their stuff at a big league ballpark prior to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. In the 2010 edition of the 12th edition of the All-Star exhibition, the US squad jumped out to an early lead and cruised from there to win the game 9-1.

For the Pelicans, starting pitcher Julio Teheran was selected to the contest after racking up a combined 5-5 record with a 2.13 ERA in 15 starts between Low-A Rome and Myrtle Beach. The right-hander out of Cartagena, Colombia has also struck out 103 batters while walking just 22 in only 88 2/3 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting a paltry .209 against Teheran this season.

Teheran has made his mark on the Pelicans already this season after striking out 12 in his Carolina League debut on May 19 against Winston-Salem. Just two starts later, Teheran whiffed a Pelicans franchise-record 14 batters on Memorial Day against the Frederick Keys. He's been named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week as well as a Carolina League All-Star, hurling two scoreless innings in that contest as well.

In the Futures Game itself, Teheran came out to pitch the fourth inning for the World Squad, managed by five-time All-Star Cookie Rojas, and tossed a scoreless frame while walking two and striking out one. Teheran, a bit nervous to begin with, walked the first two batters he faced but was helped out by his catcher, Colorado Rockies farmhand Wilin Rosario who picked off Brett Jackson at first base. After another walk, Teheran induced a pop up from Padres prospect Drew Cumberland and struck out Tampa Bay Rays number one prospect Desmond Jennings, who is currently tearing up Triple-A, on a 95 mph fastball on the outside corner.

The 19-year old will fly back to Myrtle Beach after the ballgame and join the team before their home series with the Lynchburg Hillcats, which starts on Wednesday. He's scheduled to start on Friday.

There was a decidedly Carolina League tone to the ballgame as Wilmington's Eric Hosmer went 4-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, and two RBI while Salem's Stolmy Pimentel pitched 2/3 of an inning, retiring both men he faced. Kinston's Chun Chen, recently called up to the Carolina League also came on in relief of Rosario behind the plate, going 0-for-2.

Former Carolina Leaguers Zach Britton, Danny Espinosa, Lonnie Chisenhall, Bryan Morris, and Mike Moustakas also made appearances in the ballgame after showcasing their skills in the Carolina League just last season.

The Pelicans return home to the Grand Strand for a four-game series with the Lynchburg Hillcats on Wednesday. For more information on tickets, daily promotions, and all things Pelicans, log onto myrtlebeachpelicans.com or call 1-877-918-TIXX or 843-918-6000.