SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Soar Over Shorebirds

Published on May 29, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


Down 4-1 in the seventh inning, the Legends needed a spark. Tommy Manzella lit the fire with his fourth homer of the season, igniting a rally that gave the Legends a 5-4 win over the Delmarva Shorebirds. Lexington (31-19) reclaims first place in the Northern division with a half game lead over Delmarva.

The Legends took a 1-0 lead in the second thanks to a couple of Delmarva mistakes. Ole Sheldon led off the inning with a walk then moved to second on a passed ball. After Sheldon advanced to third on a groundout, he ran home on a wild pitch to give Lexington the edge.

But the Shorebirds would not go quietly. Ryan Finan led off the fourth with a single and advanced to second on a groundout. Then Arturo Rivas launched one into the bleachers to give Delmarva a 2-1 lead.

Things began to look dismal for the Legends in the top of the seventh, as the Birds added two more runs on back-to-back homers from Jonathon Tucker and Ryan Finan.

That's when Lexington got things cooking. Manzella brought the fans to their feet with a lead-off slam over the left field wall. The fans put on their rally caps as the offense exploded for three more runs. Back-to-back errors allowed Mike Thompson and Eric Cavers to reach. With runners at first and second, Eric King doubled to left field, advancing Cavers to third and scoring Thompson. A groundout from Mitch Einertson plated Cavers to tie the game at four. But Mark Ori refused to leave it tied, as he delivered a double, scoring King and pushing the Legends to a 5-4 lead.

Lexington pitcher Brandon Stricklen earned his seventh save of the season as he struck out four in the final two innings to finish off the Birds. Tip Fairchild tossed six strong innings with eight strikeouts and Scott Sarver picked up his first win of the season.

The Legends will cap off the series against Delmarva on Tuesday night. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 29, 2006


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