SAL1 Rome Emperors

Lexington Completes Sweep of Rome with 7-5 Victory

Published on June 9, 2019 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Rome Emperors News Release


ROME, GA - The Rome Braves difficult stretch of baseball continued on Sunday in an 11 inning loss to the Lexington Legends. The Braves rallied from down 4-1 to tie it but were unable to drive in the winning run, stranding 12 men on base in the game.

The Legends were able to score an early run against Rome starter RHP Alan Rangel, taking a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning. Lexington scored two more in the 5th inning with a four hit rally and Rome responded with a run on an Ariel Montesino sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the frame.

Trailing Lexington 4-1 in the 7th the Braves offense began to mount its comeback. Outfielder Jeremy Fernandez opened the inning with an infield single. Legends pitchers then issued three consecutive walks, scoring a run. The Braves made it 4-3 as another run crossed on a double play grounder.

Hagen Owenby tied it at 4-4 on a long solo homer out to left in the 8th inning, his first homerun of the season. Rome got the go-ahead or winning run to third base in the 8th, 9th and 10th innings but each time failed to deliver the clinching hit. Lexington scored two unearned runs in the 11th inning and won it 7-5.

Rome finished 1-16 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base. The Braves have lost eight straight and 11 of their last 12 games dating back to May 26th.

Fernandez enjoyed a breakout performance, going 5-5 with a stolen base and two runs scored. Owenby was 1-5 with a homer and a walk. Henry Quintero was 2-5 with a double and a walk. Derian Cruz was 1-3 with a double and a walk. Rangel pitched 5 innings and allowed three runs on six hits. He struck out two and walked two.

Rome continues its homestand by welcoming the 1st place Charleston RiverDogs to town for a three game series beginning Monday evening. First pitch from State Mutual Stadium is scheduled for 7 pm. Rome is expected to start former Cy Young Award winner and newly signed Atlanta Braves lefthander Dallas Keuchel (0-0, 0.00). Charleston will counter with RHP Luis Gil (2-3, 2.08).

Rome Braves (26-36): 5 R 9 H 2 E

Lexington Legends (33-29): 7 R 9 H 1 E

W: Andres Nunez (2-1)

L: Jake Higginbotham (1-1)

Time: 3:53

Attendance: 1,331

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 9, 2019


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