Matias and Melendez Lift Legends over Braves

June 16, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release

Lexington Legends pitcher Carlos Hernandez on the mound
(Lexington Legends)

The Legends struck first in the top of the second inning. MJ Melendez reached on a single to center field then scored on an RBI single by Dennicher Carrasco and Lexington jumped out to a 1-0 lead.

The Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning courtesy of a leadoff homer by William Contreras.

Rome took the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Luis Mejia and Isranel Wilson reached on back-to-back singles. Derian Cruz brought home Mejia, putting the Braves ahead 2-1. Contreras singled home Wilson, extending Rome's lead to 3-1.

In the top of the fifth, Carrasco lined a triple to center field. Ricky Aracena hit a single to second base, scoring Carrasco, then advanced to second base on a throwing error by the Braves. Cal Jones doubled home Aracena, tying the game at three runs each. With Cal Jones at second, Cristian Perez grounded into a force out, while Jones scored putting the Legends back on top, 4-3.

MJ Melendez smacked his tenth home run of the season in the top of the sixth, extending Lexington's lead to 5-3.

Seuly Matias blasted his 22nd homer of the season in the top of the eighth inning, and the Legends led 6-3.

The Legends plated the final run of the game in the ninth. Travis Jones lined a lead off double to center field. He then advanced to third on a fly out by Carrasco. Travis Jones was able to score on a ground out by Aracena, and Lexington held on to the 7-3 lead.

Carlos Hernandez was awarded the win for the Legends, tossing 6.0 innings allowing three runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out five. Huascar Ynoa was given the loss for the Braves throwing 7.0 innings allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits while striking out seven.

The Legends and Braves meet for the series finale tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. Rome will send RHP Jasseel De La Cruz (2-2, 1,99 ERA) and Lexington is TBD.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.

Lexington Legends pitcher Carlos Hernandez on the mound

South Atlantic League Stories from June 16, 2018

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• Hess Jolts out of Slump with 4-For-4, 5 RBI Night to Lead RiverDogs Past Drive - Charleston RiverDogs
• Crash Doubles, Hit by a Pitch in 7-6 Loss - Asheville Tourists
• Cruz Lifts Power to 10-8 Win in Back-And-Forth Affair - Charleston Dirty Birds
• 'Birds Can't Keep up with Power - Delmarva Shorebirds
• GreenJackets Win Close Game in Asheville - Augusta GreenJackets
• Fermin and Moreno Impressive at Plate on Saturday - Columbia Fireflies
• Matias and Melendez Lift Legends over Braves - Lexington Legends
• Braves Fall Again to Legends 7-4 - Rome Emperors
• Dietz Added to SAL All-Star Roster - Delmarva Shorebirds
• West Virginia Power: Game Notes (June 16) - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Fireflies Game Notes: June 16 at Hagerstown (Game 66) - Columbia Fireflies
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