SAL1 Lexington Legends

Brad Tosses One-Hitter, Umpire Tosses Brad

July 7, 2006 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


It was the best and worst for two guys named Brad on Friday night at Applebee's Park. Lexington pitcher Brad James was the definition of intimidating, as he tossed a one-hitter in a 4-1 victory over the Kannapolis Intimidators. James struck out eight and picked up his second win of the season. But Legends public address announcer Brad Link was not so fortunate, as home plate umpire Dan Oliver ejected him during the seventh inning after receiving an animated pie to the face.

James came out smoking, striking out the first two batters. Kannapolis pitcher Derek Rodriguez also came out strong, retiring the first seven batters he faced.

The game remained scoreless until the Legends put up a two-spot in the third. Nathan Warrick sparked the offense with a double to left field. Josh Flores roped a single to center, plating Warrick for the 1-0 lead. Flores crossed the plate for the second run of the inning off Tommy Manzella's two-bagger.

The Legends added another run in the fourth as Mark Ori led off with a single. After a walk to Eli Iorg, J.R. Towles laid down a bunt to advance the runners. A sacrifice fly to right field off the bat of Mitch Einertson allowed Ori to run home to make it 3-0.

As James continued to put away the Intimidators, the Legends put up two more runs in the sixth. With two out, Iorg smacked a double to deep right field. A passed ball allowed Iorg to move to third. Towles drove a single through the hole at shortstop, scoring Iorg for the final Legends run.

With the crowd on their feet cheering, James came out in the ninth to finish off the Intimidators. The first batter smoked it right back at James, but he quickly snagged it for the first out. But Aaron Cunningham cut short the celebration, breaking up James' no-hitter as he took one over the left-field wall for the Intimidators only hit and run. German Melendez cam in for the final two outs, as James left the game to a standing ovation.

James' performance is good news for the Legends pitching staff, as starter Tip Fairchild was called up to High A Salem after winning his ninth straight decision on Wednesday night.

After finishing off the Intimidators with three straight wins, the Legends will host the West Virginia Power for a two-game series. Lexington pitcher Raymar Diaz will face Kannapolis pitcher Steve Garrison on Saturday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from July 7, 2006


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