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The Pelicans performed well as a team on Saturday, edging Grand Prairie to win 5-4. A day after blasting the Air Hogs 10-1, the Pelicans one-run lead would be enough for Bubba Nelson to earn the win.

The first batter that Nelson faced hit a homerun to right field. Brandon Carter hit his second whammy of the year to put the Air Hogs on the board first, but they wouldn’t score again until the sixth inning. In the meantime, doubles would help the Pelicans take the lead.

Marcos Rodriguez led off the third inning with a double. Francisco Leandro followed with a base hit, and then stole second base. Antoin Gray walked to load the bases, when the other double came into play: Luis Guance hit a two-RBI double down the right field line and the Pelicans took the lead. Rafael Alvarez followed with a two-RBI hit of his own, a single that gave the Pelicans insurance with a score of 4-1.

The Pelicans added their game-winning run on an error in the top of the fourth. Luis Bautista led off with a single, and with one out, Francisco Leandro walked. With two out, Antoin Gray hit a routine groundball to the shortstop, whom let it get under his glove and into left field. Bautista came into score, and the Pelicans led 5-1.

The Air Hogs added three runs in the sixth, but it wasn’t enough, as the Pelicans held on to win 5-4. Bubba Nelson earned the win, pitching two outs into the bottom of the sixth. Dane DeValk came on and pitched the last out of the sixth and the first two of the seventh before deferring to Brent Solich. Solich picked up an out in the bottom of the seventh and one in the eighth before Hunter Davis came in. Davis retired the last five batters of the game in order, striking out two to earn his seventh save.

Luis Guance ended the night 2-4, with two doubles, and Marcos Rodriguez had a double and two singles to finish the evening 3-4. Jimmy Mojica made his first appearance since the first June series against the Air Hogs. Mojica pinch-ran for Rodriguez at first base, and promptly stole second, his ninth robbery of the year.

The Pelicans will look for the series sweep tomorrow as Randy Beam is set to start for Pensacola. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Fans, don’t forget that you can practice hitting at the Pelicans’ batting practice facility, the Pelicans Training Academy. Located at 4920 N. Davis Highway in Pensacola, the batting cage facility is perfect for individuals, teams, and corporate events. Summer camps are starting soon! Find enrollment information and more at www.pelicanstrainingacademy.com