SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Take Advantage of Un-Intimidating Defense

Published on July 6, 2006 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


After Kannapolis took an early 1-0 lead, the Legends capitalized on the Intimidators' mistakes to take an 8-2 win. The Intimidators committed four errors in the game and gave up four unearned runs. After a rough second half start, the Legends have won two straight to improve to 5-10.

Lexington pitcher Brian Bogusevic made a strong showing in his first appearance since returning from Tri-City. It was Bogusevic's longest outing, as he tossed four innings, struck out four and gave up just two runs. Ryan Owens picked up the win in his second appearance since the Legends called him up from Tri-City last week. Owens has hurled six straight scoreless innings for Lexington.

Paulo Orlando wasted no time getting the Intimidators going as he led-off the first with a double. Aaron Cunningham followed with another double to plate Orlando for the 1-0 lead.

But the Kannapolis defense struggled in the bottom half of the inning, committing two errors and allowing three Legends runs. With two outs, Koby Clemens walked. Kannapolis first baseman Frenando Valenzuela fumbled Mark Ori's grounder to put runners at first and second. Another costly mistake allowed Eli Iorg to load the bases for Tommy Manzella. Manzella smacked a bases-clearing double to center field to put the Legends up 3-1.

It was more of the same in the second, as the Legends again took advantage of the Intimidators poor defense. After two straight walks to lead off the inning, Josh Flores laid down a bunt and sped to first to load the bases. Kannapolis shortstop Javier Castillo botched the force out at second base on Wladimir Sutil's grounder, scoring Nathan Warrick and keeping the bases loaded. Clemens deep fly to right field allowed Jose Lopez to score. Another grounded from Ori plated Flores for the 6-1 lead.

The Intimidators mustered some offense in the fourth. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for Eric Mesa. Although the Legends turned to two off of Mesa's grounder to short, Castillo scored to make it 6-2.But Jose Lopez took matters into his own hands in the bottom of the inning, launching a home run into the left field bleachers. The 362-foot shot was Lopez's first of the season.

Lexington iced the game in the fifth with their final run. With one out, Iorg hit one over the center fielder's head for a triple. Pedro Espinoza's single allowed Iorg to cap off the 8-2 win.

The Legends will host the Intimidators for the final game of the series Friday night. Lexington pitcher Brad James will square off against Kannapolis pitcher Derek Rodriguez. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 6, 2006


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