Rucker flirts with no-hitter, leads Pelicans to shutout in series opener with Dash

Final score

Myrtle Beach Pelicans 2, Winston-Salem Dash 0

Turning point

A fast start by the Pelicans provided them all the runs they’d need, as base hits in the first by third baseman Jesse Hodges and outfielder Eddy Martinez plated runs.

Offensive star

Both Hodges and Martinez were 1-for-3 in the game, their base hits allowing Myrtle Beach to score their two runs.

Decision takers

Winner: Michael Rucker (2-2) had a no-hitter through 6 1/3 for the Pelicans. He wound up giving up one hit and no runs, striking out seven in just as many innings of work.

Loser: A rough first inning did Winston-Salem starter Alec Hansen (0-2) in, allowing two runs on three hits in the opening frame. He would not allow another hit in his remaining four innings on the mound.

By the numbers

Keeping record

Myrtle Beach improves to 8-11 in the second half of the Carolina League season, 50-38 overall. Winston-Salem falls to 9-11 in the season’s second stanza, and 33-56 overall.

On deck

The same two teams will take the field Thursday at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., with Duncan Robinson (0-1, 4.50 ERA) taking the hill for Myrtle Beach, while the Dash will counter with Brannon Easterling (5-5, 4.72 ERA).

This story was originally published July 12, 2017 at 9:52 PM with the headline "Rucker flirts with no-hitter, leads Pelicans to shutout in series opener with Dash."