SAL1 Lexington Legends

First win for starting pitcher since June 1st

Published on July 4, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


LEXINGTON, KY - With fireworks exploding around the stadium, the Lexington Legends finally saw some fireworks on the field as they won they snapped a five-game losing streak to the Lakewood BlueClaws with a 3-2 victory on Independence Day. Jake Leonhardt shut the BlueClaws out over seven innings to give the Lexington starting staff its first victory since June 1.

The Legends scattered 10 hits in the game but only plated two runs. Lexington started the scoring with a single run in the second inning. Brian Pellegrini led off the inning with a double off the center field wall. Eric Taylor then drove Pellegrini home with a single to center.

The Legends added a run in the fourth to stretch the lead to two runs. Jonathan Fixler singled with one out in the inning and was replaced at first base by Cat Everett who grounded into a force out. Brandon Barnes hit his second double of the game, and Everett raced around third to score the second Legends run of the game.

Lexington added an insurance run in the eighth inning to stretch the lead to three. Eric Taylor walked to lead off the inning and scored on Steve Brown's double to left field. Jonathan Fixler walked to give the Legends runners at first and second with no outs and bring Cat Everett to the plate. Everett bunted into a fielder's choice at third, erasing the lead runner. Brandon Barnes and Matt Cusick grounded out to end the scoring threat.

Lakewood rallied for two runs in the ninth inning to make the game close. Derrick Mitchell lead off the inning with a single and stole second as Tim Kennelly struck out swinging on what appeared to be ball four. Dominic Brown followed Kennelly's strikeout with his sixth home run of the season into the right field bleachers. Jordan Powell struck out Jay Miller before Jay Pacella struck out Micheal Durant to end the game and earn his sixth save of the season.

Leonhardt's seven shutout innings marked the longest scoreless appearance for a Legend in 2008. The right-handed starting pitcher pitched surrendered four hits and one walk while striking out one in his seven innings of work. The shutout was Lexington's third of the season. Jordan Powell surrendered two runs in the ninth to end the Lexington bull pen's streak of innings without allowing an earned run at 11 and one-third innings.

The two teams will meet in the finale of their season series in a 7:05 contest Saturday night. The Legends will send Leandro Cespedes against Vance Worley for Lakewood.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics

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