While I was freezing my rear end off at times watching South Bend play the Quad Cities, I didn’t envision what would happen this afternoon. Iowa, Tennessee, and South Bend all took tough losses. Myrtle Beach, however, is playing out of their minds right now.

The Pelicans have over a +40 run differential and a record of 15-6. What makes this specific run where they are 10-1 in their last 11 is that they are doing it with a mixture of outstanding hitting, great starting pitching, and a shut down bullpen. Every night is an annihilation.

Today, Walker Powell went five innings in his first minor-league start. The Southern Miss  non-drafted free agent struck out 6, did not allow a hit, and the first base runner got on base via an error Powell committed. He did walk one player but did not allow a hit in six frames. For his efforts, he’s going to win the Starting Pitcher of the Day very easily.

His teammates, relievers Adam Laskey and Jake Reindl, each pitched two innings to combine for a no-hitter as the Pelicans trounced Columbia 8-0. Laskey and Reindl will share the Reliever of the Day award.

Before we get to the Hitter of the Day, let’s revisit the defensive play of the day.

Powell had a perfect game going until he committed an error that allowed a base runner. Another guy walked and men were at the corners. A quick grounder to third and the resulting throw home by James Triantos nailed the runner and preserved the no-hitter with the glove work and the shutout with the throw. And let’s not forget the great tag by Ethan Hearn.

Hitter of the Day

Stop me if you have heard this one before…Alexander Canario.

Today, he hit a three-run shot that got out of Modern Woodman Park in Davenport in a hurry. He likes it there as he had 4 dingers this week.

I was sitting behind home plate just watching rather than have my camera going. Sometimes, the fan in me takes over and enjoys a dinger like everyone else.

I will back in the morning with “The Breakdown” of the last week while Jimmy Nelligan will have his “Game of the Week” later tomorrow afternoon.