SAL1 Lexington Legends

Hot Start With A Six-Run First Inning Lifts Legends Over Tourists

Published on July 23, 2018 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


Lexington Legends pitcher Charlie Neuweiler
Lexington Legends pitcher Charlie Neuweiler
(Lexington Legends)

MCCORMICK FIELD (Asheville, NC) - The Lexington Legends traveled to face the Asheville Tourists in the first of a four game series. The Legends jumped out to an early lead after scoring six runs in the first inning, and were able to secure the 7-4 victory. Lexington now improves to 15-14 in the second half of the season and are in third place in the Southern Division, 1.5 games out of first place.

The quick start for the Legends began in the top of the first inning. Kyle Isbel lined a fly to center field then advanced to third on a single by Cristian Perez. Nick Pratto singled home Isbel while moving Perez to third and Lexington led 1-0. Seuly Matias was then hit by a pitch to load the bases full of Legends. Sebastian Rivero popped up a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Perez. Jeison Guzman hit line drive to left field, but the left fielder committed a fielding error allowing Pratto and Matias to score, extending the Legends' lead 4-0. With Guzman at second, Cal Jones doubled to center field, plating Guzman. Ricky Aracena then smacked an RBI single to left field and Lexington led 6-0 after the first inning.

The Tourists scored their first run in the bottom of the second inning. Chad Spanberger singled to right field. Todd Czinege then hit a ground ball to the third baseman, Perez who committed a throwing error, allowing Spanberger to score and Asheville was on the board, 6-1.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Spanberger drew a leadoff walk. Matt McLaughlin then blasted a two-run homer to left field, and the Legends still led 6-3.

Asheville scored again in the bottom of the fifth. Ryan Vilade doubled to center field then advanced to third on a groundout by Bret Boswell. With Casey Golden at the plate, MJ Melendez allowed a passed ball, and Vilade scored.

The Legends plated another run in the top of the sixth inning. Guzman singled to left field then moved to second on a groundout by Jones. Aracena then singled home Guzman and Lexington extended their lead 7-4.

The Tourists scored their final run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Vilade led off with a single to left field then scored on an RBI double by Spanberger.

Charlie Neuweiler was awarded the win for the Legends, pitching 5.1 innings allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits while walking three and striking out four. Lucas Gilbreath was given the loss throwing 6.0 innings allowing seven runs (three earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out two.

The Legends and Tourists meet again for game two tomorrow, July 24 at 7:05 p.m. Lexington will send RHP Jackson Kowar (0-1, 19.29 ERA) to face Asheville's RHP Will Gaddis (4-4, 5.06 ERA).

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

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Lexington Legends pitcher Charlie Neuweiler
Lexington Legends pitcher Charlie Neuweiler
   



South Atlantic League Stories from July 23, 2018


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