Pelicans drop postseason opener

By Travis Lucian

September 4, 2013

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class-A Advanced affiliates of the Texas Rangers, lost the opening game of the best-of-three southern division playoffs, falling 1-0 in 10 innings against the Salem Red Sox at Lewis-Gale Field. Facing elimination, the Pelicans will host the Red Sox in the second game tomorrow night at TicketReturn.com Field.

With runners on first and second and one out in the tenth inning, Cody Koback hit a slow roller down the third base line which induced a throwing error, allowing Matty Johnson to score the winning run from second base.

Right-hander Madison Younginer (1-0) earned the win for the Red Sox, firing two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Josh McElwee took the loss (0-1) allowing an unearned run in the tenth inning. McElwee allowed three hits in the final inning, two of which didn't leave the infield.

The Pelicans threatened to score in the second inning following back-to-back singles from Trever Adams and Royce Bolinger. Red Sox starter Luis Diaz subsequently induced a double play to help kill the rally. The Pelicans got a one-out double from Odubel Herrera in the sixth inning but he would eventually be stranded at third base.

Adams paced the Pelicans offense, finishing 2-for-4.

Diaz started for Salem and tossed eight scoreless innings, scattering five hits. Alec Asher extended his scoreless streak to 32 innings, including the regular season. The right-hander allowed five hits and struck out seven. The Red Sox loaded the bases in the second inning against Asher, but the right-hander was able to get out of the jam.

With a runner at first base in the sixth inning, Royce Bolinger made a great catch in deep right-center, robbing Stefan Welch of extra bases.

Trailing 1-0, the Pelicans and Red Sox played the second game of the best-of-three series Thursday night at TicketReturn.com Field. Right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez will face lefty Brian Johnson. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com or by calling 918-6000.