Four Pelicans help Carolina League all-stars to win over California League

With four players selected, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans were well-represented in the California-Carolina League All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Pelicans pitchers Trevor Clifton, Zach Hedges and Jake Stinnett, and second baseman Ian Happ all played in the game as they helped the Carolina League to a 6-4 victory over the California League at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore, Calif.

The Carolina League held a 6-1 lead heading into the ninth inning and it appeared it would cruise to the victory, but Carolina Mudcats righty Evan Phillips allowed three earned runs on three hits and one walk to bring the California League within two runs.

Then, Clifton came in to toss the final 2/3 innings of the game and allowed just one hit as he picked up the save. Clifton had a 4-3 record and led all Myrtle Beach starters in the first half with a 2.12 ERA, which is also third in the Carolina League.

Hedges tossed one inning, a perfect third frame as he struck out one and received a hold. He is 6-5 with a 2.47 ERA in 12 starts with the Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Stinnett – who owns a 5-3 record and 3.78 ERA in 11 starts in Myrtle Beach – also tossed one inning, getting out all three batters he faced in the seventh.

Meanwhile, Happ – the Pelicans’ only offensive all-star – failed to get a hit in two at-bats after coming on to pinch hit in the sixth inning. After 69 games, Happ leads the team in batting average (.296), on-base percentage (.410), slugging percentage (.475), hits (71), walks (48) and strikeouts (69). His 42 RBIs and 37 runs scored are also second among all Myrtle Beach batters.

Pelicans pitching coach Anderson Tavarez was part of the Carolina League staff.

Notable

Washington Nationals prospect Andrew Stevenson (Potomac Nationals) was named the California/Carolina League All-Star Game MVP after going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

San Jose Giants pitcher Rodolfo Martinez was named the California League MVP after striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Carolina League starter Julian Merryweather (Lynchburg Hillcats) picked up the win as he struck out one in the first inning.

This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 3:16 AM with the headline "Four Pelicans help Carolina League all-stars to win over California League."