Downes' Slam Helps Legends Outslug Braves, 14-10
Published on June 30, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release
Brandon Downes hit a grand slam, and Chad Johnson also homered as the Lexington Legends outscored the Rome Braves 14-10 Tuesday night in the opener of a four-game series in Rome. Corey Toups had three hits and three runs batted in for the Legends, who have won four of their first five games in the second half of the season. Matt Tellor had a grand slam and a three-run double for Rome.
The Legends wasted no time against Rome starter Yean Carlos Gil, scoring four runs in the first inning. Toups led off with a single and stole second. Humberto Arteaga and Ryan O'Hearn walked. After Elier Hernandez struck out, Wander Franco doubled, scoring Toups and Arteaga. O'Hearn also came home on an error by left fielder Joseph Daris, and Franco scored on a single by Chase Vallot
Braxton Davidson's two-run double in the bottom of the first cut the Legends lead to two at 4-2, and Rome claimed a 6-4 lead in the third when Tellor hit his grand slam.
The Legends got one run back in the fourth on Johnson's solo homer and moved in front for good with a five-run rally in the fifth inning, highlighted by Downes' bases-loaded blast, his fifth home run of the year.
After Rome scored a run in the bottom of the fifth, the Legends took a 13-7 lead with three runs in the seventh, two coming on a bases-loaded single by Toups.
Rome countered with three in the bottom of the eighth on a bases-clearing double by Tellor, giving him seven runs batted in for the game.
A run-scoring single by Toups in the top of the ninth wrapped up the scoring.
Legends starter Zach Lovvorn (5-6) got the win. Gil (0-1) took the loss. Game two of the four-game series will be played Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2015
- Mercedes' Moonshot Propels 'Birds to 4-3 Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Downes' Slam Helps Legends Outslug Braves, 14-10 - Lexington Legends
- Depleted Tourists Drop Series Opener against RiverDogs - Asheville Tourists
- Suns Stay Perfect against Greensboro at Home with 4-3 Win - Hagerstown Suns
- Charleston Mugs Tourists 10-4 in Series Opener - Charleston RiverDogs
- Tomscha Drives in Three, But Claws Fall 4-3 at Delmarva - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Slugfest Goes to Lexington 14-10 - Rome Emperors
- Crawdads Power Past Drive, 8-1 - Greenville Drive
- Gnats Swatted by 'Jackets 6-0 Tuesday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Adams Spins 7.0 Innings to Unplug Power - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Power Drops First of Second Half - Charleston Dirty Birds
- WV Power Game Notes: June 30, 2015 vs. Kannapolis - Charleston Dirty Birds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Lexington Legends Stories
- Lexington Legends Announce 2026 Exhibition Game Schedule at Legends Field
- All New Nitro Circus Tour Comes to Lexington
- Bluegrass Battle: EKU Baseball to Face Louisville at Legends Field March 31
- Lexington Legends to Host All "A" Classic Baseball Tournament at Legends Field
- Former Major League Pitcher Conner Greene Signs with Lexington Legends
