Tied 2-2 in the second inning, Conner Capel laced a two-run single back up the middle to score Alexis Pantoja and Mitch Longo, as the Lynchburg Hillcats came from behind to beat the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, 7-2, on Saturday after waiting out a 2:40 rain delay.
The Hillcats (2-0, 31-37) take a two games to none series lead over Myrtle Beach (0-2, 34-38) to begin the second half of play, improving to 4-1 against the Pelicans this season at City Stadium.
Myrtle Beach took the lead in the top of the first inning against Hillcats starter Zach Plesac. D.J. Wilson walked to begin the ballgame, and Aramis Ademan followed with an RBI double to right-center field. Two batters later, Wladimir Galindo lined a base hit to right field to plate Ademan, giving the visitors a 2-0 edge.
Plesac bounced back, working 3.1 innings and allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out three. He did not factor in the decision and was pulled after the rain delay.
The Hillcats would answer in the bottom half of the frame. Longo swung and missed at strike three, but made it all the way around to second base as the ball bounced away for a wild pitch. Longo would make it to third on a bunt single from Dillon Persinger, and come into score on a double play ball. With two outs in the inning, Li-Jen Chu walked, and came around to score on a Trenton Brooks opposite field double one batter later, to tie the score at 2-2.
The Hillcats took the lead in the second against Cory Abbott (Loss, 1-2). The righty surrendered four runs on six hits over three innings, prior to being pulled following the 2:40 rain delay.
After the delay the Hillcats turned to Micah Miniard (Win, 2-2). He retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings to pick up the win in relief.
Lynchburg added three runs in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. Chu doubled with one out and was tripled home by Jorma Rodriguez. Later in the inning, a dropped fly ball by Myrtle Beach center fielder D.J. Wilson allowed two more runs to come across.
Game Two of the double-header was postponed to Sunday afternoon, due to circumstances out of the club’s control. The two teams will now play a double-header Sunday, with first pitch of Game One set for 3 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday’s scheduled contest may be exchanged for any other home game this season, with the exception of July 4.
It’s Sandlot Sunday at City Stadium complete with postgame kids run the bases, wiffle ball, and family catch in the outfield.
Right-hander Justin Garza (3-4, 3.89) will start for the Hillcats in Game One Sunday, while Lynchburg will turn to lefty Anderson Polanco (1-1, 4.33) in Game Two. Myrtle Beach has not yet announced a starter for Game One, while right-hander Casey Bloomquist (2-0, 1.80) will start the second game.
Max Gun and Matt Present will be on the air beginning at 2:50 p.m. with the Hillcats pregame show, on TuneIn Radio and Radio434.
For tickets and more information visit lynchburg-hillcats.com, the City Stadium box office, or call 434-528-1144.
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Chris Graham
