SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Lose In Extra Innings To Delmarva, 6-5

Published on May 1, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


SALISBURY (Md.) - After losing on consecutive walkoff hits to start their road trip, the Legends were sure to snuff out any shot of a trifecta in their big win over Delmarva. Lexington got off to a frustrating start but pulled away with an 11-hit parade in the middle inning for its third win in five games, 9-5.

Despite a rocky first inning, Lexington starter Leandro Cespedes (2-1) went on to pitch four scoreless innings supported by the Legends' enormous mid-inning run support. Cespedes pitched five innings with seven strikeouts in his first win since April 8th. The pitcher's duel was tight until the fourth, when Delmarva's Cole McCurry (0-3) lost his early form giving up a barrage of doubles before exiting in the fifth.

The Legends stared down three scoring chances in the first three innings, leaving the runners in scoring position thanks in part to McCurry's two inning-ending strikeouts. Lexington's usual sparkplug Matt Cusick went hitless through three innings while the Shorebirds sent four of ten batters to base in that same span.

Delmarva found pay dirt early against Lexington's Cespedes. In the first inning Tyler Henson extended his nine-game hitting streak with a single to centerfield, advancing centerfielder Matt Angle to third. Anthony Martinez then sent a ball to right field to score Angle. Lexington's catcher Kevin Carkeek tried to catch Martinez stealing with a throw to second, but Delmarva pulled off the double steal sending Henson home for the second run of the first.

After stranding three in three innings, the Legends would score four in the fourth as McCurry struggled. Lexington hit two doubles, batted around and took a lot of pitches out of the Delmarva's lefty. Steve Brown led off with a bunt up the middle. He would make his way around the diamond on a bobbled pitch and a Kevin Carkeek sacrifice.

Following McCurry's first walk of the night, Nick Moresi smacked a double to score Eric Taylor and Brown from third to bring the score even at two. Matt Cusick sent Moresi home with a two out double to left field, extending his nine-game hitting streak with the RBI. The cracks in Delmarva's defense started to show as Collin DeLome sent a grounder under an outstretched Shorebird mitt to send Cusick home for the final run of the fourth.

McCurry came back to the mound for the fifth but was met with more of the same. After surrendering a leadoff double to Eric Taylor and walking Kevin Carkeek, he gave up two more runs when Nick Moresi doubled to left field. He was relieved by righty Shane Matthews, but a new arm wouldn't stop the red-hot Legends. Mathews walked Matt Cusick with one out and hit Collin DeLome out of the gates. Russell Dixon then sent Mathews' pitch to centerfield for Lexington's sixth double of the night to score two more.

In long relief, Lexington's Jake Leonhardt's appearance was a mix of good pitching and even better support from the infield. Leonhardt retired all six batters thanks to two double plays turned in the sixth and seventh innings. He would have trouble reaching the ninth, as Joe Mahoney drove in Matt Tucker and Joe Mahoney hit a two-run homer to left field. Legends closer Jay Pacella put out the Shorebirds in order in the ninth for his third save of the season.

Tune in tomorrow night as the Legends try to tie their series with Delmarva before moving on to their four game series at Lakewood. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Story written by Clay Bell, Lexington Legends

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 1, 2008


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