Hernandez, Down East bring Pelicans win streak to screeching halt with shutout

Final score

Down East Wood Ducks 2, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0

Turning point

In the third inning, Down East’s LeDarious Clark merely attempted to advance 90 feet to second base. What he wound up with was much more, as throwing errors by Myrtle Beach catcher P.J. Higgins and center fielder Robert Garcia allowed him to score. Later in the inning, a two-out walk to the Wood Ducks’ Brallan Perez came back to hurt them. After the aforementioned Down East batter stole second, a Yanio Perez single allowed him to score.

Offensive star

Down East right fielder Yanio Perez was 1-for-3 in the game, driving in a run for the Wood Ducks.

Decision takers

Winner: Jonathan Hernandez (1-2) went six innings, scattering four hits while striking out five. He also walked two Myrtle Beach batters.

Loser: Michael Rucker (1-1) was almost equal to the task, yielding two runs — one earned — on three hits. He struck out six in a losing effort.

By the numbers

Keeping record

For the first time in a week — and only the second time in June — Myrtle Beach left the ballpark a loser, sending the club’s record to 41-27. Each of its last two losses have come via shutout. As for Down East, it improved to 24-43.

On deck

Myrtle Beach and Down East renew acquaintances Saturday evening in the third of a four-game set. First pitch is at 6 p.m., with the Pelicans sending Ryan Kellogg (3-3, 4.14 ERA) to the hill. Jeff Springs (1-6, 5.40 ERA) will get the start for the Wood Ducks.

This story was originally published June 16, 2017 at 10:08 PM with the headline "Hernandez, Down East bring Pelicans win streak to screeching halt with shutout."