Pelicans Defeat RiverDogs 8-6 in Front of a Record 6,600 Fans

Myrtle Beach, S.C. (July 4, 2025) – The Myrtle Beach Pelicans defeated the Charleston RiverDogs 8-6 on Friday evening at Pelicans Ballpark.

Box Score

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (11-2, 36-41) jumped ahead in the first when Leonel Espinoza hit a sacrifice fly to score Ty Southisene, followed by Owen Ayers’ sacrifice fly to score Jose Escobar, making it 2-0.

In the third, Jose Escobar homered to score Southisene, and Matt Halbach added a solo homer, pushing the lead to 5-0.

The Charleston RiverDogs (6-7, 41-38) responded in the fourth when Larry Martinez doubled to score Connor Hujsak, cutting the deficit to 5-1.

In the seventh, the RiverDogs mounted a comeback, scoring five runs on singles by Narciso Polanco, Hujsak, and Angel Mateo, plus walks to Martinez and Jose Perez, taking a 6-5 lead.

The Pelicans answered in the seventh when Ayers singled to score Christian Olivo and Southisene, regaining a 7-6 lead.

In the eighth, Espinoza singled to score Derik Alcantara, securing an 8-6 advantage.

Pelicans reliever Brayden Spears (1-6) earned the win, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing one run, while Jostin Florentino started, giving up one run on seven hits over 5.0 innings.

Charleston’s Kaleb Corbett (1-1) took the loss and a blown save, surrendering two runs in 0.2 innings.

Escobar led the Pelicans, going 3-for-4 with a homer, a double, and two RBIs, while Ayers drove in three runs. Alcantara, making his Pelicans debut, went 2-for-4 with a run scored. For Charleston, Polanco went 4-for-5 with a triple and an RBI. The Pelicans posted a 3-for-8 line with runners in scoring position, leaving eight runners on base, while the RiverDogs went 5-for-12, leaving 10.

The Pelicans continue a three-game home series against the Charleston Riverdogs (Tampa Bay Rays) at 6:05 E.T. on Saturday, July 5. RHP Nazier Mulé (2-3, 4.84) is expected to start for Myrtle Beach against RHP Jose Urbina (4-1, 2.10) for Charleston.

As a reminder, this weekend (July 4th-6th) at Pelicans Ballpark is Red, White & Blue Weekend. The Pelicans will wear their Red, White, and Blue uniforms for the entire weekend. Don’t forget to arrive early on Saturday, July 5th as the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Pelicans themed Red, White, and Blue Hawaiian shirt courtesy of Freedom Boat Club. Arrive early for pre-game catch on the field prior to first pitch on Sunday, July 6th and stick around for a post-game Fireworks Extravaganza, courtesy of Sparks Toyota.