Pelicans Hang On for 8-6 Win over Fireflies in Extras

By Sam Weiderhaft

Going into the eighth inning with a 5-2 lead for the second night in a row, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans again allowed runs in the final two innings but prevailed in extras for an 8-6 victory over the Columbia Fireflies on Wednesday night. With their first road win of the season, the Birds improved to 2-3 while the Fireflies also stand at 2-3.

Jefferson Encarnacion (2-4, 2B, 3 RBI) delivered the game-winning single in the 11^th and brought in two runs on a double in the fourth. Andy Garriola (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB) continued his solid week with an RBI double in the fourth inning.

In his first appearance of the year, Nick Dean impressed out of the bullpen with eight strikeouts through 3 1/3 innings with one earned run and two hits. The win went to Branden Noriega (1-0) despite blowing the save, allowing one run in two frames with one walk and two hit batters.

The Fireflies were held to only singles as Erick Torres (2-3, RBI, BB), Daniel Vazquez (2-4, RBI) and Austin Charles (2-5, RBI) all posted multi-hit games while driving in runs. Vazquez provided the game-tying single in the ninth with the bases loaded.

Chase Isbell (0-1) took the loss with three runs, one earned allowed in the final inning. Starter Blake Wolters sacrificed four earned runs across his 3 1/3 innings off three hits and three walks while striking out one.

The Pelicans and Fireflies will meet for the third game of the series on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.