MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The Charleston RiverDogs suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on Friday night, falling to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 8-6 at Pelicans Ballpark.
Despite overcoming a five-run deficit to take a late lead, the RiverDogs could not hold on, dropping their record to 6-7 in the second half of the season.
Myrtle Beach capitalized on situational hitting early, with Leonel Espinoza and Owen Ayers each delivering sacrifice flies in the first inning to establish a 2-0 lead.
The Pelicans extended their advantage in the third inning with home runs from Jose Escobar and Matt Halbach, pushing the score to 5-0 and ending the night for RiverDogs starter Jayden Voelker.
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Charleston began to rally in the fourth inning when Larry Martinez doubled home Connor Hujsak, cutting the lead to 5-1. Danny Hilario, making his Single-A debut, provided a strong relief performance, allowing just one hit and striking out two over three innings.
The RiverDogs surged ahead in the seventh inning, scoring five runs on four hits. Polanco’s infield single scored Xavier Guillen, followed by Hujsak’s hit to left center that brought in Theo Gillen. Angel Mateo added an RBI single, and Martinez tied the game with a bases-loaded walk. Jose Perez then walked with the bases loaded, giving Charleston a 6-5 lead.
However, the Pelicans quickly regained control in the bottom of the inning. Ayers drove in two runs with a single, and Espinoza added an RBI in the eighth, sealing the 8-6 victory for Myrtle Beach.
The RiverDogs will attempt to end their losing streak on Saturday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Pelicans Ballpark. Charleston will return home to Riley Park for a six-game series against Columbia starting Tuesday.
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