SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Get Education, Lose 4-3

Published on May 14, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


APPLEBEE'S PARK (Lexington, KY) -- The game started three hours after scheduled, but the Lexington Legends offense didn't get the memo. The Legends scored two runs in the ninth inning, but fell short of their comeback. Hagerstown starter Jeff Mandel limited the Legends to one run on five hits through six innings, and the Suns rode two two-run home runs to a 4-3 victory.

Hagerstown started the scoring in the third inning off Lexington starter Jeff Icenogle. Suns catcher Sean Rooney singled to center. Former Louisville Cardinal Boomer Whiting then grounded into a fielder's choice, replacing Rooney at first. Hagerstown shortstop Daniel Lyons followed with a home run to the left-field bleachers.

Lexington struck back for their only run in the fifth. Designated hitter Jonathan Fixler was hit in the left shoulder by Mandel to lead off the inning. Fixler then moved to third on Brandon Barnes single to right. Lexington shortstop Bryan Brown drove Fixler home with a groundout to third.

Hagerstown broke through for two more runs in the seventh off Legends reliever Jacob Leonhardt. Michael Burgess started the innings with a double down the right field line just out of the reach of a diving Eric Taylor at first base. Jake Smolinski then doubled the Suns run total with a wind-aided home run over the right-center field wall.

Lexington mounted a rally in the ninth inning against the Hagerstown pen. Ryan Harrison walked Max Sapp to start the inning and then pulled from the game in favor of Kyle Gunderson. Eric Taylor greeted Gunderson with a home run to left field.

Gunderson retired the next two batters on fly outs before allowing an infield single to Brandon Barnes. Ronny Ramirez pinch ran for Barnes, and Steve Brown pinch hit for Bryan Brown. Gunderson then struck out Steve Brown swinging to end the game.

Lexington fell to 5-15 at home on the season. The two Hagerstown runs in the third inning marked the first two earned runs scored against Icenogle this season. Matthew Cusick's single in the third inning extended his current hitting streak to six games. Collin DeLome added three singles in four at bats.

The two late runs surrendered by the Hagerstown pen made the game close, but the Legends had no luck against the Suns starting pitcher. Mandel pitched six innings, surrendered six hits, walked two batters and struck out four Legends.

Lexington will send Sergio Severino against Hagerstown Thursday evening in the final game of the home stand. The Legends will then go on the road for four games in Lake County, followed by four games in Hagerstown.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 14, 2008


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