SAL1 Lexington Legends

Legends Turn Back 'Birds, 3-2

Published on May 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


APPLEBEE'S PARK (Lexington, KY) - Lexington has found that this season home is where the hard is. Looking to snap their five-game losing streak, the Legends turned the tables and picked up their fourth win this season at Applebee's Park and despite a ninth-inning rally were able to come through with the 3-2 win.

The win is the first home victory since April 27 and only Lexington's second game won with three or less runs scored in 2008. After falling in two low-scoring affairs the night before, the Legends were able to hang on for the win thanks to an early surge and effective pitching from long reliever Jake Leonhardt.

The Legends reached the scoreboard in the first. Collin DeLome scored off of a 2-out RBI single from Eric Taylor to get the home team ahead early. Leonhardt unexpectedly came on out of the bullpen to pitch in the beginning of the second. No specific injury or ailment was blamed for Adams' early exit and he was later seen with teammates during the game. Though he likely came in much earlier than planned, Leonhardt took control of the game and pitched a solid six innings with four hits, four strikeouts and one run.

Delmarva would spoil Lexington's rare early-game lead in the third when the Shorebirds' bats heated up. After two high shots to the outfield, the Shorebirds scored a runner from third on a double play ground ball from Eric Taylor.

Lexington regained its lead at 2-1 in the tight matchup in the bottom of the fifth. The Legends put their first two batters in scoring position to start the inning, scoring the first on Collin DeLome's sacrifice fly to center.

Leonhardt left the game to begin the eighth, following six innings with one run allowed. He was replaced by reliever Jordan Powell who held the fort well in the late going. It was a close call in the eighth inning with Ryan Adams threatening to tag from third. Rightfielder Russell Dixon fielded a long fly-ball well enough to hold Adams on the corner and the Legends would later strand that tying runner.

Lexington was looking for some breathing room before the final frame, and that's what the Legends found in the eighth as it loaded the bases and brought one across on a walk. With bases loaded, Brandon Barnes was walked in for what would be a very important run.

Jay Pacella came on in the ninth for the save opportunity. The Legends defense did bend a bit but didn't break despite a homerun and double in the inning, stranding a man at second to end the game on top.

Check out the Legends as they continue their home series with Delmarva tomorrow in a Mother's Day afternoon matchup scheduled for 2:05 PM.

Check out the Lexington Legends Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 11, 2008


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