Pelicans again flounder at the plate, shut out by Buies Creek in series rubber match

Final score

Buies Creek Astros 3, Myrtle Beach Pelicans 0

Turning point

With the game scoreless in the top of the second, Buies Creek designated hitter Spencer Johnson sent the 1-1 offering from Myrtle Beach lefty Justin Steele over the left field fence for a home run. The Astros would not trail in the game, tacking on runs in the fourth and ninth for their final tally.

Offensive star

Johnson’s lone hit on a 1-for-3 night proved to be a big one, giving Buies Creek a lead it would not relinquish and claim a series win in Myrtle Beach.

Decision takers

Winner: Buies Creek pitcher Ryan Hartman went five innings, scattering two hits and striking out one in a winning effort.

Loser: Justin Steele kept Myrtle Beach in the game, going 4 2/3 and giving up two runs on six hits. He struck out six in his time on the mound.

By the numbers

Keeping record

Myrtle Beach’s second half struggles continue, falling to 5-9 —last in the Carolina League South — though its overall mark is 48-36. As for Buies Creek, it improves to 10-5 in the second half of the league slate.

On deck

Myrtle Beach takes to the road for a four-game set with the Frederick Keys, starting with Friday’s series opener starting at 7 p.m.

This story was originally published July 6, 2017 at 11:06 PM with the headline "Pelicans again flounder at the plate, shut out by Buies Creek in series rubber match."