Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Mike Hampton's rehab start was a success, as the former all-star struck out six in five innings of work in the 1-0 win over the Blue Rocks. The rehabbing MLB pitcher Hampton electrified the crowd with timely strikeouts to end the third and fifth innings. It was the first Braves rehab assignment in Myrtle Beach since 2004.
It’s rare in a team sport that one man steals the show. However, with 13-year MLB veteran Mike Hampton making a rehab start for the Pelicans, that was the case at BB&T Coastal Field. The two-time all-star, was stellar in five innings, allowing just five hits, while blanking Wilmington. He also struck out six and did not walk a single batter. Hampton is attempting to return to Atlanta following a strained left oblique and a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow suffered in 2005. Hampton commented following the game that this was his most major league ready rehab-start yet.
After six scoreless innings, the Pelicans finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh inning. Tyler Flowers started the frame by scorching a line drive into left field. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Concepcion Rodriguez. Then, Phillip Britton notched his 17th RBI of the season by hitting a soft liner up the left field line to score Flowers.
Carlos Rivas came on in relief of Hampton and stifled the Blue Rocks in innings six through eight. The Blue Rocks managed just a single hit, while Rivas fanned four and walked none. In the ninth, Bryan Dumesnil recorded his 10th save of the season.
The loss was tagged to Greg Holland (3-4), who allowed the game-winning hit in the seventh. Although overshadowed by Hampton, Wilmington starter Paul Mildren was excellent in six innings, surrendering just four hits and no runs.
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