Rayl dominant as Mudcats claim series

Mudcats

Rayl dominant as Mudcats claim series

Aug 2, 2012

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Zebulon, N.C. — Mike Rayl pitched four perfect innings to set the tone in a 5-0 win over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Wednesday night at Five County Stadium. The Mudcats claimed their fourth straight win for the second time this year.

A crowd of 3,076 waited through a 29 minutes rain delay to witness Rayl (7-8) retire the 13 straight batters en route to seven scoreless innings. The southpaw finished after scattering four hits, walking one and striking out two for his tenth quality start of 2012.

The Mudcats (21-18, 53-56) climbed to within a game of first place in the Carolina League Southern division, trailing the Pelicans (22-17, 58-51) and the Winston-Salem Dash.

While Rayl was dealing on the mound, a newcomer made his presence felt for Carolina in the second inning. Todd Hankins demolished a pitch over the left field wall for his first hit as a Mudcat, scoring Ronny Rodriguez from first, for a 2-0 lead.

With Pelicans’ starter Randol Rojas (8-3) struggling with his command, the Mudcats took advantage, and struck, again, in the third. The club loaded the bases with one out against the right-hander. Carlos Moncrief singled to right, driving in Bo Greenwell.

Ahead 3-0, Rodriguez lined a pitch off the shoulder of center fielder Teodoro Martinez attempting to slide in for the catch. The resulting double scored two for the final 5-0 margin.

Kyle Blair and Grant Sides combined to toss the final two innings, preserving the shut out and series win.

The Mudcats look for the sweep of Myrtle Beach Thursday night at 7:15 p.m. The Lynchburg Hillcats come to town for three games beginning Friday night at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are available through the box office by calling (919) 269-2287 or visiting carolinamudcats.com.