SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends falter in extras again

Published on June 30, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


KANNAPOLIS, NC - The day and the opponent changed, but Monday's game looked a lot like Sunday's for Lexington. The Legends scored two early runs on Brian Pellegrini's 13th home run and rode a strong pitching performance to a 2-2 tie after nine innings. But in a repeat of Sunday's performance the Legends lost on a single run in the tenth inning to fall 2-3 to the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Jordan Powell induced two groundouts to second base to start the tenth inning, but surrendered a single to Logan Johnson with two outs in the frame. Johnson advanced to second on a wild pitch from Powell and scored on a single from Sergio Morales. Steve Brown's throw to the plate beat Johnson, but Jonathan Fixler dropped the ball in the collision at home plate allowing Johnson to score the winning run.

Kannapolis jumped out to an early 2-0 lead off fill-in starting pitcher Leandro Cespedes in the first inning. Eduardo Escobar singled with one out in the inning and moved to third on an errant pickoff throw from Cespedes. Escobar then came home on Jim Gallagher's double to right. One out later Logan Johnson drove Gallagher home with a single to right.

The start marked Leandro Cespedes's second consecutive fill-in performance for Tommy Vessella. Vessella missed his second consecutive start with soreness in his pitching arm. Based on early results, the Legends might be well served to not tell Cespedes he's starting ahead of time. After being demoted to the bullpen to start the second half of the season, Cespedes turned in his second straight strong starting performance.

Cespedes lasted six innings and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking one. On June 25 Cepsedes pitched six and two-thirds innings of one-run ball on two hits and eight strikeouts against Kannapolis in his first fill-in performance for Vessella.

In a repeat of Sunday's game, Lexington scored their only two runs of the game in the third inning. Bryan Brown singled with one out in the inning and advanced to second on a fielding error from right fielder Christian Marrero. Eric Taylor struck out swinging, but Brian Pellegrini tied the game with his 13th home run of the season. The home run marked the third consecutive game in which Pellegrini has homered.

Jordan Powell (1-7) took the loss with three and two-third innings of work. Powell surrendered the one run on four hits while striking out four and walking two. Leroy Hunt earned the win with two scoreless innings out of the Kannapolis pen. With the win, Kannapolis secured the season series win against Lexington.

The two teams meet in the finale of the season series Tuesday when Jeff Icenogle takes the mound against Jason Rice. Lexington returns home Wednesday for a four-game set against the Lakewood BlueClaws.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2008


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