Sunday Preview: Hillcats vs. Pelicans

By Myrtle Beach Pelicans Media

SUNDAY, MAY 22–5:05 P.M.

LYNCHBURG HILLCATS (28–14) vs. MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS (23–18)

TICKETRETURN.COM FIELD — MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans rode a big offensive day from Jeffrey Baez and some more solid pitching to a 6–4 win over first-place Lynchburg on Military Appreciation Day on Saturday. They’ll begin their eighth trip through the rotation on Sunday, as Jonathan Martinez gets the nod on the mound.

SUNDAY’S PITCHING MATCHUP:

RHP Jonathan Martinez (3–2, 3.64 ERA)

Martinez is coming off one of his worst starts of the year, allowing five runs on eight hits in a loss to Frederick. Monday’s start was just the third in his last 33 that Martinez allowed more than three runs. However, one of those also came against Lynchburg in 2015, when he surrendered a career-high eight runs on 11 hits on July 22.

LHP Justus Sheffield (3–1, 2.76)

Sheffield has turned in back-to-back stellar outings, giving up only one earned run over his last 12.2 innings while striking out a dozen. A unanimous top-5 prospect in the Indians system, the 20-year-old is touted for being wise beyond his years. Finishing with 138 strikeouts in Low-A last year, Sheffield possesses a plus fastball and curve.

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STARTING LINEUP

1. Rashad Crawford, DH
2. Gleyber Torres, SS
3. Ian Happ, 2B
4. Yasiel Balaguert, 1B
5. Jeffrey Baez, RF
6. Gioskar Amaya, C
7. Daniel Lockhart, 3B
8. Trey Martin, CF
9. Charcer Burks, LF

BIRDS’ NEST NOTES:

Daniel Lockhart makes his season debut at third base Sunday. (Larry Kave/Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

-After knocking off Lynchburg 6–4 Saturday, the Pelicans have won seven of their last 10 contests. Coming into their current set against Lynchburg, Myrtle Beach has also scored three straight series victories. Additionally, the Birds have taken four of the last five sets they’ve played. However, the combined records of those opponents (Winston-Salem, Wilmington and Frederick) is just 47–68 (.409). The Pelicans are currently in their toughest test of May, playing the 28–14 (.667) Hillcats, who have earned a first place sitting in the Northern Division. Following their four-game set against Lynchburg, Myrtle Beach heads to Carolina for three games before hosting Wilmington for four, teams with a 28–52 (.350) combined mark.

-Jake Stinnett surrendered just three runs in six innings of work Saturday, yet another strong performance by a Myrtle Beach starting pitcher. Over the last 35 games, Pelican starters have ceded three earned runs or fewer in an outing 28 times. During that span, Myrtle Beach lid-lifters have combined for a 2.95 ERA (64 ER in 195.0 IP). Birds starting pitchers have surrendered only 166 hits (7.7 H/9) during that span, while walking 61 (2.8 BB/9) against 146 strikeouts (6.7 K/9).

-Jason Vosler is not in the lineup Sunday for the first time all season. He has started and played in each of the club’s first 41 games

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Sunday’s games will be broadcast in the following ways:

Online (Available at 4:35 p.m.): Pelicans Baseball Network

Video: MiLB.tv

Phone/Tablet: MiLB First Pitch App, TuneIn App.