May 25th, 2024
Zebulon, NC- The Carolina Mudcats (26-16) played host to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (18-25) in Saturday’s Contest. The Mudcats entered today 1 game back of the first place Fredericksburg Nationals (27-17). The starting pitcher for the Mudcats was Yorman Galindez (0-0) who had a 3.43 ERA in 21 innings entering Saturday’s contest. The starting pitcher for the Pelicans was Juan Bello (1-1) who had a 2.70 ERA in 26.2 innings entering Saturday’s contest.
The Mudcats jumped to a 4-0 lead by scoring 4 runs with 5 singles in the bottom of the first which started with a Luis Castillo 2-RBI single to center field. Juan Baez was then scored on a double steal which made the score 3-0. Then, a Reece Walling single to center scored Luis Castillo which increased the score to 4-0. Myrtle Beach got on the board in the top of the fifth with a solo home run off of the score board by Christian Olivo which decreased the deficit to 4-1.
Yorman Galindez pitched 4.2 innings of 1 run ball while only allowing 3 hits.
The Pelicans had runners on first and second with 2 outs in the top of the 7th, but Juan Baez made a fantastic catch on a line drive at 3rd base to end the inning. The Pelicans cut into the deficit in the top of the 8th with 2 runs. After a double by Miguel Pabon the ball was thrown away which allowed Alfonsin Rosario to score which decreased the deficit to 4-2. Miguel Pabon was then scored on a sacrifice fly by Fabian Pertuz which made it 4-3.
Aidan Maldonado took over in the fifth then pitched 2.1 scoreless innings while only allowing 2 hits.
The Mudcats left the bases loaded in the bottom half with a 2 out infield popup. Bayden Root slammed the door in the 9th. Erian Rodriguez pitched 4 scoreless innings for the Pelicans while only allowing 3 hits.
The winning pitcher for the Mudcats was Aidan Maldonado who gets the win for his 2.1 scoreless inning. The losing pitcher for the Pelicans was Juan Bello who threw 4 innings while allowing 4 runs. Bayden Root gets the save for his 9th inning performance. The Mudcats are now tied for first place in the North Division. The Mudcats play again at 1:00 pm tomorrow to close the series against the Pelicans.