SAL1 Lexington Legends

Matias Mashes Franchise-Tying 27th Home Run in Doubleheader Sweep of West Virginia

July 21, 2018 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


Lexington Legends pitcher Tad Ratliff
Lexington Legends pitcher Tad Ratliff
(Lexington Legends)

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends swept the West Virginia Power in a doubleheader, July 21 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The Legends improve to 13-14 in the second half of the season and are in fourth place in the Southern Division of the South Atlantic League, 3.0 games out of first place. The Power drops to 13-14 and are tied for third in the Northern Division.

In game one, the Power scored in the top of the first inning. Lolo Sanchez drew a leadoff walk then swiped second base. Sanchez moved to third on a single by Jesse Medrano. Deon Stafford then popped up a sacrifice fly to left field and Sanchez scored the first run of the game. Ben Bengtson then blasted a two-run home run to right field and the Power led 3-0.

The Legends then scored in the bottom of the first inning. Kyle Isbel drew a leadoff walk then stole second base. Nick Pratto joined him on the base path with a walk of his own. Seuly Matias brought them both home with a two-run double off the left field wall, putting Lexington on the board, 3-2.

In the top of the fourth, Stafford hit a leadoff triple to right field then scored on an RBI single by Ryan Peurifoy, extending West Virginia's lead 4-2.

In the bottom of the fourth, Matias drew another leadoff walk then scored when Manny Olloque hit a two-run home run off the scoreboard, tying the game at four runs apiece.

Lexington took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth. Sebastian Rivero walked then moved to second when Marten Gasparini lined a single into right field. Ricky Aracena then hit a groundball to the shortstop who committed a fielding error, scoring Rivero and Gasparini, and the Legends took game one 6-4.

Tad Ratliff was awarded the win for the Legends tossing 2.0 scoreless innings allowing just two hits while striking out one. Beau Sulser was given the loss pitching 1.0 inning allowing two runs (both unearned) on one hit while walking one and striking out one.

In the second game, West Virginia got on the board again in the top of the first. Medrano hit a single down the first base line then moved to third on a double by Cal Mitchell. Raul Hernandez then brought them both home on a two-run single, and the Power led 2-0.

The Legends answered in the bottom of the third. Carlos Diaz smacked a leadoff double then scored on an RBI single by Isbel. Isbel then swiped second base and advanced to third on another error by the Power. A sacrifice fly by Cristian Perez brought Isbel home and the Legends and Power were tied at two.

Lexington took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Seuly Matias led off with his 27th home run of the season, tying a Lexington Legends franchise record. Gasparini then lined a single to left field and scored on another Power error, putting the Legends on top, 4-2.

Garrett Suchey was awarded the win for Lexington pitching 1.0 hitless and scoreless inning with three strikeouts. Ike Schlabach was given the loss throwing 3.2 innings allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out one.

The Legends and Power meet for the series finale tomorrow, July 22 at 2:05 p.m. Lexington will send RHP Charlie Neuweiler (6-4, 2.57 ERA) to face West Virginia's RHP Max Kranick (1-4, 3.86 ERA). Another day at Whitaker Bank Ballpark means another giveaway! Joe Torre Safe At Home will be educating fans about the organization, giving away baseball cards at the front gates to kids as they enter. Safe At Home provides healing services to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to violence including domestic violence, child abuse, teen dating abuse, and sexual assault in order to empower them to live healthy lives free of violence. Their mission is to educate to end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives. It will also be Bluegrass Care Navigators Night as they celebrate their 40th anniversary! They will be highlighting their seven different branches of care through a variety of in game activities. Whitaker Bank Ballpark will open early at 12:30 p.m. for Playtime on the Outfield allowing families to play catch until 1 p.m. Kids 12 and under will also get in FREE on Free Kids Ticket Sunday, thanks to our friends at JiF.

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.

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Lexington Legends pitcher Tad Ratliff
Lexington Legends pitcher Tad Ratliff
   



South Atlantic League Stories from July 21, 2018


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