Homestand preview: Cowboy Monkey Rodeo!!!

After a quick three-game road trip in Kinston, the Pelicans return to Myrtle Beach for six games starting Friday. The action begins with two of the most anticipated nights on the schedule and a three-game set against the Potomac Nationals and wraps up with three against the Northern Division first-half champion and second-half leaders, the Frederick Keys.

The Potomac Nationals struggled out of the gate in 2011, finishing with the worst first-half mark in the Carolina League at 29-40. As they usually do, however, they've made a charge in the second half and now hold the third-best record since the All-Star break.

Led by All-Stars Destin Hood and Jeff Kobernus and ace lefty Danny Rosenbaum, the P-Nats hold a sizable six-game lead for the last playoff spot in the Northern Division.

The fun kicks off on Friday with Cowboy Monkey Rodeo! Team Ghost Riders is a traveling act must be seen to be believed! It features Capuchin monkeys, dressed as cowboys, riding border collies as they herd sheep! It's also Western Night, so come celebrate the Wild West the way Wyatt Earp did...with monkeys riding around on dogs!

We couldn't have just one night of Cowboy Monkey Rodeo, so they're back for a second straight night on Saturday! It's also Eastbound and Down Night at the ballpark as the Pelicans salute the HBO program and its baseball legend, Kenny Powers.

The third and final game of the series, like every Sunday at BB&T Coastal Field, is Family Sunday. All fans will be allowed to have a pregame catch on the field right after the gates open at 5 p.m. Be sure to stay after the final out as well as the Pelicans will cap off the weekend with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza!

After the P-Nats leave town, the Frederick Keys come in for three games Monday-Wednesday. Like the Pelicans, the Keys won their division's first-half title, securing a postseason berth. Frederick has the CL's best record by a wide margin and thanks to the call-up of the Orioles' top prospect Manny Machado and ace Bobby Bundy, the Keys are in front in the second-half standings as well.

The possible Mills Cup Championship Series preview begins with another Kids Eat Free Monday at the ballpark, where all kids ages 12 and under will receive a voucher upon entering the gate for a free hot dog, chips and soda!

For the second game the Pelicans are having another Team Tuesday poster giveaway, presented by emediagroup. This week's poster features All-Star center fielder Ryan Strausborger, who will be available for autographs before the game. Also, like every Tuesday, there's a Buy one ticket, get one free promotion from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Pelicans game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! You can also show your Bi-Lo Bonuscard for a Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer.

The Birds wrap up the homestand with a Wiener Wednesday. This wildly popular promotion continues with one dollar Hebrew National hot dogs all game long!

The Pelicans will then hit the road for four games at Potomac and three games against the Salem Red Sox before returning to BB&T Coastal Field on Thursday, August 18th for seven more home games! They host the Kinston Indians for four games before the Lynchburg Hillcats come in on Tuesday, August 23rd for three games. Tickets for all Pelicans home games are available at the BB&T Coastal Field Box office, the Tickets page at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, or by calling (843)918-6000 or (877)918-TIXX.