Pelicans Play Longball to Take Series Opener

FREDERICK, Md. -The Myrtle Beach Pelicans hit a season-high three home runs to defeat the Frederick Keys 8-3 on Friday night at Nymeo Field. With the loss, the Keys saw their three-game winning streak come to a close.

Myrtle Beach jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings thanks to a pair of two-run homers. Following a fielder's choice by Ian Happ, Yasiel Balaguert homered off Mitch Horacek, before Charcer Burks add a two-run blast in the next inning. The two homers equaled a career-high for Horacek (1-4).

Erick Leal delivered a strong start for Myrtle Beach, as he faced the minimum and allowed only two hits through his first four innings. In the fifth though, the Keys trimmed Myrtle Beach's lead in half. Aderlin Rodriguez and Wynston Sawyer opened the inning with singles, while an error by Burks in left put two in scoring position. Jomar Reyes would then drive home Rodriguez, while Erick Salcedo plated Sawyer.

Rodriguez added a solo homer in the home seventh, but that was all that Leal (4-2) would give up in 7.2 innings. Picking up the victory, the right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits to go with three strikeouts. It was the longest start by a Pelicans pitcher in 2016.

Myrtle Beach added four runs in its final three trips to bat. In the seventh, Gleyber Torres hit a three-run homer off Tanner Chleborad, while Cael Brockmeyer added a sac-fly in the eighth.

Horacek took the loss, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out three.

The Keys and Pelicans continue their series on Saturday night. Right-hander Jeremy Null (0-0, 0.00) starts for the Birds while the Keys have not announced their starting pitcher. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m from Nymeo Field and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. For tickets fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.