Legends Hang On, 8-7, to Avoid Sweep at L.P. Frans
Published on July 10, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
HICKORY, NC - The Hickory Crawdads, 1st-Half Northern Division Champions, threatened to comeback with a run and a bases-loaded rally in the bottom of the ninth, but the Lexington Legends escaped with the 8-7 win on Sunday, before 1,551 fans at L.P. Frans Stadium.
With Lexington ahead, 5-0, through the first three and a half frames, the Crawdads (51-35, 11-7) got their bats going in the bottom of the fourth. With 1B Andrew Clark at first and two down, LF Jake Skole belted a two-run homer over the left-field wall to get the 'Dads on the board. 3B Alejandro Selen immediately followed suit, knocking a solo homer to left-center, bringing the Crawdads within just two runs, 5-3.
The Legends (41-47, 6-12) responded with a long-ball of their own against reliever RHP Ben Rowen in the top of the fifth, as 1B Tyler Burnett banged a solo shot over the wall to stretch the lead to 6-3.
Hickory got back on the comeback trail in the bottom of the sixth inning. Clark and SS Christian Villanueva hit consecutive singles to spark the rally. Both then scored when Skole lined a single to center field that CF Jay Austin misplayed, enabling Clark and Villanueva to race in and cut the deficit to one run, 6-5.
Facing RHP Jason Chowning to lead off the bottom of the seventh, CF Teodoro Martinez connected with the 'Dads third long-ball of the game, a solo shot to tie it, 6-6. The Crawdads then loaded the bases no outs, but RHP David Martinez (W, 4-3) was able to escape the jam with a double play and a fly out, keeping it even on the scoreboard.
Lexington retook the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the ninth against RHP Colby Killian (L, 6-3). With one away, DH Telvin nash worked a walk before being pulled for pinch runner Jhonny Medrano. Medrano raced all the way in from first base on an RBI double by C Ben Heath, putting Lexington back in front. The Legends added a crucial insurance run in the inning, as Heath moved to third on a groundout and then scored on an RBI single by Burnett, making it 8-6.
The 'Dads refused to go down quietly in the bottom of the ninth against RHP Jorge DeLeon (S, 11). Three straight singles by 2B Odubel Herrera, C Tomas Telis and Clark loaded the bases with no one out. After DeLeon induced a foul out, Skole forced in a run with a bases-loaded walk, bringing the 'Dads within one, 8-7. However Martinez responded by promptly striking out the next two batters, nailing down the narrow 8-7 victory for the Legends.
Crawdads Clippings:
The Crawdads kick off a road trip with a four-game series in West Virginia, starting Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Catch all of the action live on The Big Dawg 92.1 and Hickorycrawdads.com, and tune in 15 minutes early for Crawdads Countdown.
The Crawdads will return home on Wed., July 20 to kick off a seven-game homestand with Redneck Night against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. First Pitch is at 7 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.
It will also be Guaranteed WINsday, with all fans in attendance receiving a FREE ticket to a future game this season if the 'Dads don't win. Also, July 20 will be another Conrad's Self-Esteem Wednesday. Say the words "Conrad's Self-Esteem" at the Ticket Office and get a Half Off Ticket to the game, with $2 going to Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare. Also, Wednesday is Unemployment Night - show your NCESC-issued debit card or online statement for four free tickets to the game.
Get Tickets:
Individual tickets, corporate partnerships, group outings and ticket plans for the 2011 season are available right now at the Crawdads Front Office or by calling (828) 322-3000. You can even purchase and print your tickets from the comfort of your home on Hickorycrawdads.com.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 10, 2011
- Suns Cruise Past Power 8-2 in Series Finale - Hagerstown Suns
- Legends Hang On, 8-7, to Avoid Sweep at L.P. Frans - Hickory Crawdads
- Lakewood Drops Series Finale 5-3 to Kannapolis - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Legends Hold on for 8-7 Win - Lexington Legends
- Feliz Flourishes as 'Dogs Secure DH Sweep - Charleston RiverDogs
- RiverDogs Sweep Doubleheader with 5-4 Game Two Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Grasshoppers Spring Past Gnats 3-1 Sunday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Winning Streak Ends at Four as Drive Take Finale - Rome Emperors
- Four-Run Sixth Leads to GreenJackets Sweep - Augusta GreenJackets
- RiverDogs Win Game One of Doubleheader, 2-0 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- West Virginia Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Savannah Sand Gnats Game Notes - Savannah Sand Gnats
- BlueClaws Split Doubleheader Saturday - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
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