SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Erase Seven-Run Deficit, Win 10-8

Published on May 19, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


Frank Schwindel's two-run single in the eighth inning broke an 8-8 tie, and the Lexington Legends went on to a 10-8 win over the Hagerstown Suns Monday in front of 8,054 fans at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The Suns had led 8-1 after five innings. Luis Rico pitched five and two-thirds innings of shutout relief for the Legends as they made their comeback.

After each team scored a run in the first inning, Hagerstown took the lead with two runs in the third. Leadoff batter Isaac Ballou was hit by a pitch, and Wilmer Difo walked. Jimmy Yezzo's single scored Ballou and sent Difo to third, from where he scored on a ground out by Spencer Kieboom.

The Suns scored five more runs in the fourth. Willie Medina drew a leadoff walk, Rafael Bautista bunted for a hit, and Ballou singled, loading the bases. Difo's double to left center field scored all three runners. giving Hagerstown a 6-1 lead. After Yezzo was hit by a pitch, Kieboom flied out to right field, and Difo moved to third after the catch. Difo scored on a wild pitch, and Drew Ward's double brought Yezzo home, making the score 8-1.

The Legends began their comeback with four runs in the fifth inning. With one out, Samir Duenez singled and scored on a triple by Dominique Taylor. Taylor came home and Alfredo Escalera reached first base when Ward, the third baseman, bobbled Escalera's ground ball for an error. Ramon Torres tripled down the right field line, scoring Escalera, and Chad Johnson followed with a single to bring Torres home.

Escalera's two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh cut Hagerstown's lead to one at 8-7. The Legends threatened to tie or take the lead in the seventh, but left the bases loaded.

With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Taylor and Escalera singled. Torres hit a ground rule double to left field, tying the game and putting runners at second and third.

After Johnson struck out, Michael Sylvestri relieved Justin Thomas. With a 1-2 count, Schwindel lined a single to left field, scoring Escalera and Torres and giving the Legends the lead.

Rico (2-4) got the win. He took over for starter Andrew Edwards with one out in the fourth and finished the game. He allowed one hit, no runs, struck out six and walked none.

Thomas (1-4) was the losing pitcher.

The Legends have won the first three games of the four-game series against the Northern Division leaders. The series concludes Tuesday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 19, 2014


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