SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Run Out Of Innings Versus Suns, Lose 6-5

Published on May 13, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


APPLEBEE'S PARK (Lexington, KY) -- Twice was nice, but three was just out of reach for Lexington. The Legends tried to extend their winning streak to a trifecta in the early morning start against Hagerstown, but were held back in a 6-5 loss. The Legends made three costly errors, all advancing eventual runs into scoring position, and were outhit 14-8 on the day to bring the current home stand record to 2-3.

In early action, Suns DH Tim Pahuta sent a long ball for a two-run homerun in the opening inning. He was followed by a Stephen King double, but Leandro Cespedes (2-2) worked the Legends out of the jam. Cespedes would leave the game in the fourth after an error and a wild pitch for the no-decision. The Legends put its first two batters of the game on base, leading to a sacrifice fly from Max Sapp to tie the game at 1-1.

Cespedes put his mark on the third inning from the mound, notching two strikeouts and picking off Hagerstown's Daniel Lyons leading off at first base. The Legends would then take the lead in surprising fashion. With Steve Brown waiting on second, Craig Corrado sent a ball barely out of the left infield for an RBI double. Corrado was sent home off a powerful shot up the middle from Sapp, the second RBI for Max in his shortened three-inning start.

The tide turned once again as fumbling fielding in the outfield gave Hagerstown's Jake Smolinski an RBI double in the top of the fourth. Smolinski would find pay dirt thanks to a Brandon Whiting single to left. Cespedes was soon replaced by lefty Fernando Abad after retiring two in the fourth. Abad pitched through a bases-loaded jam to keep Lexington within one at 4-3.

Matt Cusick came up big with a 2-out double for Lexington's sole run in the bottom of the fifth, scoring on Craig Corrado's second RBI blooper shot to tie the game at four all. Cusick nearly matched his South Atlantic League leading .388 average, going 1-3 with a double and two walks at the plate.

After loading the bases in the top of the seventh, a bloop single from Hagerstown's Stephen Englund overtop Ronnie Ramirez and shortstop scored two Suns, ending the outing for Lexington reliever Mike Koons. Usual closer Jay Pacella came on early to help strand all three runners and hold the gap at 5-3.

Atahualpa Severino pitched well through his two innings of relief, holding the Legends hitless through the seventh. Joe Melton recorded the first hit in eight batters, a double off the right field wall. Eric Taylor stepped to bat with two outs and doubled to left field for the first late Legends run. The Suns further sullied the situation with a passed ball that allowed Russell Dixon to reach base after swinging for strike three.

Legends reliever Brett Robinson came on in the ninth to hold the deficit. Robinson loaded the bases with two walks, but Lexington evaded any scores. After back-to-back walks with two outs, Suns closer Martin Beano struck out Joe Melton to end the game.

Catch the Legends next game tomorrow at Applebee's Park as Lexington continues its series with Hagerstown. The game starts at 10:05 AM.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 13, 2008


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