Carolina Offense Stalls in 4-1 Loss in Myrtle Beach

ZEBULON, N.C. - Trever Morrison's game tying RBI double in the second proved to be all of Carolina's run production in a series opening 4-1 loss to the Pelicans on Monday night in Myrtle Beach. Aaron Ashby started for Carolina and allowed four runs on two hits and five walks while taking the loss.

Carolina (6-6, 45-36) ended up out-hitting the Pelicans (6-6, 27-52) in Monday's series opener after totaling six hits against just two for Myrtle Beach. The Pelicans, however, used a sac fly in the first to score the game's first run and went on to break a 1-1 tie in the second with a run scoring groundout and two-out throwing error from third baseman Eddie Silva. That two-out error put the Pelicans up 3-1 in the game. Another error by Morrison on a potential double play ball in the fifth also allowed across the fourth and final Myrtle Beach run of the game.
Ashby (L, 1-2, 2.25) allowed just two hits and totaled two strikeouts over four innings pitched, but ended up with the loss. He began his outing with eight straight balls and two straight walks and eventually allowed a run on Carlos Sepulveda's sac fly in the first. In all, Ashby allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits over four innings pitched. He also matched a career high with five walks and struck out both of his final two batters.
The Pelicans built their 4-1 lead without collecting a run scoring hit. Carolina, meanwhile, had a run scoring double from Morrison in the second, but that would end up being the only run allowed across by starter Paul Richan who went on to earn the win. Richan (W, 8-3, 4.15) matched a career best with nine strikeouts and allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings pitched in the game.
Relievers Manuel Rondon and Garrett Kelly finished the game and combined to hold Carolina without a run the rest of the way. Rondon gave up a couple of hits, but earned his fourth hold and Kelly (S, 3) struck out two in the ninth to earn the save.
Cody Beckman and Michael Petersen combined to work the last half of the game for the Mudcats. Beckman allowed just one unearned run over three, scoreless and no-hit innings. He also walked one and struck out five. Petersen the struck out two while pitching a spotless eighth.
Morrison and Silva led the way while going 2-for-4 and 2-for-2 respectively. Ryan Aguilar and Payton Henry had the only other hits for the Mudcats in the Sunday victory.
The loss was Carolina's second straight and dropped them to an even 6-6 in the second half standings. The Mudcats are now tied with the Pelicans and Fayetteville for second in the Carolina League Southern Division standings.
The series will continue on Tuesday night beginning with the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. in Myrtle Beach.
The game will air live on the Mudcats Radio Network, The Big Dawg 98.5 FM and online at carolinamudcats.com via TuneIn Radio. The game will also stream live in full high-definition video on MiLB.tv via Minor League Baseball's subscription service.
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