The Myrtle Beach Pelicans stumbled for the third time in four games Monday, falling 11-5 to the Salem Red Sox at Lewis Gale Field.
It was a rude re-welcoming for pitcher Roman Mendez, on the disabled list for the Pelicans since a June third loss to the Red Sox. After watching the rain hit Lewis Gale Field just an hour before first pitch, Mendez lasted only four innings and allowed seven runs on nine hits.
Mendez struggled most in the second inning, facing nine batters and allowing two homeruns. The solo homers were the ninth each from Brandon Jacobs and Michael Almanzar. Heiker Meneses also delivered big in the inning, pumping a two-run triple. It was 5-1 Red Sox at that juncture.
Salem scored again in the third to go up 7-3. The Pelicans continued to battle back, making it 5-3 and then 7-5 before relenting with a four-spot in the fifth to fall back 11-5. The Pelicans could not muster a comeback at that point.
Offensively the Pelicans got their best production from Odubel Herrera with two doubles, Christian Villanueva with his ninth home run, and Hanser Alberto with a two-run double. Teodoro Martinez also doubled and scored in the game. Wilmer Font did strike out five in two innings of relief, hitting 98 on the in-stadium gun.
Pitching for the Pelicans has hit its first real rough patch of the season. The Birds have allowed 36 runs in their last four games. The Pelicans ERA has elevated all the way up to 3.24.
Offense should be at a premium Tuesday, however, with each team pitching its ace. The Pelicans fire Kyle Hendricks against Salem’s first round star Matt Barnes. First pitch is at 7:05.
- Photo courtesy of MB Pelicans
