Legends hold off BlueClaws, 3-2
Published on July 4, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
LEXINGTON, KY - Dominic Brown's two-run homerun in the ninth inning brought the Lakewood BlueClaws within one run but the Lexington Legends hung on for a 3-2 win at Applebee's Park on Friday night.
The blast was just the sixth hit of the game for the BlueClaws who grounded into a season-high four double-plays to erase nearly all of their base runners.
The loss ended a six-game winning streak for the BlueClaws (9-7/47-39) who failed to pick up a game on the first place West Virginia Power.
It was a reversal of fortune for the two clubs as the Legends scored first and were never really threatened until the ninth inning. The BlueClaws had taken the first two games of the series in similar fashion.
The soggy night began with a 35 minute rain delay before the first pitch was thrown and ended with the final three innings being played in a light but steady rain.
Chance Chapman (5-5) took the loss by allowing 10 hits and two walks in 6.2 innings of work but managed to limit the Legends to just two runs. Zack Sterner got out of a bases-loaded jam in the seventh but surrendered one run in the eighth that proved to be the winning run.
Jake Leonhardt (3-7) kept the BlueClaws in check through the first seven innings and earned his first win as a starting pitcher. It was the first win by any Lexington starter since June 1 snapping a stretch of 29 games. Jordan Powell bridged the gap before Jay Pacella (6) picked up the one-out save to finish the game.
Lexington staked an early lead with a run in the second inning. Following a leadoff double by Brian Pellegrini, Eric Taylor singled him home to give the Legends their first lead of the series. They threatened again in the third inning by loading the bases with two outs but a groundout ended the frame.
An unlikely source in Brandon Barnes had a big offensive night and was responsible for increasing the Legends lead in the fourth. His two-out double down the third base line scored Cat Everette all the way from first base. The number nine hitter went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles to raise his batting average above .200.
The eventual winning run was scored in the bottom of the eighth after a leadoff walk to Eric Taylor and a double to left field by Steve Brown.
Brown's homerun kept the BlueClaws from being shutout for the second time this season by the Legends and gave them a chance with two outs to play. Derrick Mitchell picked up his first hit of the game to lead off the ninth. After a strikeout, Brown hit his seventh of the year to left and picked up his 40th and 41st RBI of the year in the process.
Jay Miller and Mike Durant both struck out while representing the tying run to end the game.
The BlueClaws and Legends will wrap up the series on Saturday during their final meeting of the season. The Philadelphia Phillies third round pick of the 2008 draft, Vance Worley, will make his Lakewood debut after being promoted on Thursday. He will be opposed by Tommy Vasella (1-3) for the Legends.
Game time is set for 7:05p.m. and every pitch can be heard on the Shore Sports Network (1160 WOBM- AM and 1310 Fox Sports Radio).
Lakewood returns to FirstEnergy Park on Monday to open an eight-game homestand with the Augusta GreenJackets.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 4, 2008
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- Captains Intimidated 10-4 - Lake County Captains
- Betances Activated from DL; Chigges Sent to Staten Island Roster - Charleston RiverDogs
- Eight Game Homestand Set for July 7th-14th - Charleston RiverDogs
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