Birds Win Behind Alcantara Grand Slam

The bats for Myrtle Beach warmed up quickly tonight in the series finale against the RiverDogs. And although the Charleston tried to mount a 9th inning comeback, it fell short leaving the Birds with a 9-6 win.

An RBI single by Moises Ballesteros started the scoring for the Pelicans in the first inning. That same hit would advance Hayden McGeary to third who scored moments later on a wild pitch from Charleston's Sandy Gaston giving the Birds a 2-run lead. Junior Caminero scored in the bottom half of the inning on a single from from Willy Vasquez to put the RiverDogs on the board.

The second inning brought another run for both Myrtle Beach and Charleston. The Pelicans would hold the 3-2 lead until Charleston tied things up in the bottom of the 5th when Willy Vasquez scored on a line drive single to left by Ryan Spikes. The RiverDogs would go on to add two more runs in the 6th and another in the 7th inning.

The Pelicans were held scoreless until the 8th inning but then the bats came alive. Ballesteros reached on a fielding error. James Triantos followed with a single to left field. With runners on first and second and no outs, Felix Stevens singled on a live drive to center to load the bases. Reginald Preciado was hit by a pitch and Ballesteros scored. With bases still loaded and only one out, Kevin Alcantara launched a grand slam (his 14th home run of the season) to left center to put the Birds back on top 8-6. They added one more run in the top of the 9th when McGeary scored on a double by Stevens.

The Myrtle Beach pitching staff combined for a total of 11 strike outs on the night. Brody McCullough (1-0) got the win and Frankie Scalzo was credited with the save, his second of the season.

The Pelicans return home Tuesday, September 6th for their final home series of the regular season. They will take on the Carolina Mudcats, affiliate of the Brewers. First pitch for Tuesday is slated for 7:05 PM.