:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55267419/4.17__IMG_3515__HATCH.0.jpeg)
Here’s a little better news. We’re starting with the Pelicans today because . . .
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans clinched a first-half Southern Division title with a 3-0 win over the Frederick Keys (Orioles). That win, combined with Buies Creek’s loss to Potomac, clinched a seventh-straight trip to the postseason for the Pelicans.
Thomas Hatch went a career-long eight innings tonight, giving up just six hits. Hatch struck out seven and walked just one.
James Norwood allowed the tying run to come the plate in the ninth inning by giving up a single and a walk after two were out. But Norwood got an easy groundout to end the game and get the save.
Second baseman Bryant Flete led off the bottom of the first with a double, went to third on a bunt and scored the first run of the game on a wild pitch. He was 1 for 4.
Shortstop Trent Giambrone hit a two-run home run in the second inning, his fifth of the year. Giambrone was 1 for 2 with a walk.
Center fielder Robert Garcia went 2 for 4 and scored on the Giambrone home run.
The Pelicans clinched the title by winning 12 of their last 13 games.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs lost to the Nashville Sounds (Athletics), 6-1.
Seth Frankoff started and took the loss. Frankoff allowed four runs on six hits, including two solo home runs, over five innings. Frankoff struck out three and walked one.
Third baseman Jeimer Candelario went 1 for 3 with a walk and Iowa’s only RBI.
Highlights:
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies were blinded by the Chattanooga Lookouts (Twins), 8-1. The loss drops the Smokes 3.5 games behind Chattanooga and reduced the Lookouts magic number to 2.
Trevor Clifton allowed four runs and two home runs in the second inning. Nick Gordon, the brother of Dee Gordon and the son of Tom Gordon, hit a three-run home run off of him in this inning.
The final line on Clifton was four runs on six hits over six innings. He walked three and struck out five.
Right fielder Charcer Burks was 2 for 4 with a triple. He singled and scored the only Smokies run of the game in the sixth inning.
South Bend Cubs
Rained out.
Eugene Emeralds
Host the Vancouver Canadians in their season opener tomorrow!