SAL1 Charleston Dirty Birds

Power Win Fifth Straight

Published on April 16, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release


(Charleston, WV)- The West Virginia Power extended their winning streak to a season-high five games as they beat the Lexington Legends 7-2 on Saturday afternoon at Appalachian Power Park. Mitch Keller extended his scoreless inning streak to ten innings to start the season and the Power never trailed as they cruised to the win.

Legends starter Julio Pinto and Keller traded scoreless innings through the first three frames, until the Power were able to breakthrough in the fourth. With one out and a man at second, Casey Hughston hammered his second home run of the year to right-center, making it 2-0 West Virginia. Hughston's home run was the first hit by a Power player at Appalachian Power Park this season.

The Power weren't done as the next batter Carlos Munoz doubled down the right field line. Ryan Nagle singled him home to expand the lead to 3-0. One batter later, Christian Kelly grounded a single to right field, plating Nagle to give West Virginia a 4-0 advantage.

Those runs were all charged to Pinto (0-1), who lasted just four innings, allowing four runs and five hits.

The lead proved to be plenty for Keller (1-0). The right-hander picked up his first win of the season, scattering four hits through five shutout innings. Keller has not allowed a run this year in two starts and has surrendered just five hits total.

Lexington got on the scoreboard with a run in the top of the sixth, and the Power responded with two of their own in the bottom half. After West Virginia loaded the bases with two singles and a walk, Legends reliever Torey Defrazier walked Kelley, forcing in a run. One batter later, Tito Polo was hit by a pitch, which forced in the second run in the inning and built West Virginia a 6-1 lead.

Lexington scored once in the seventh inning on a home run by Xavier Fernandez to make it 6-2. The Power added another run in the eighth inning, when Alfredo Reyes scorched a double into right to drive in Nagle who had singled earlier in the inning as the lead grew to 7-2.

Daniel Zamora preserved the lead in the ninth inning. The Legends loaded the bases against Zamora, but the Power reliever recorded to back-to-back strikeouts to finish off the game.

Casey Hughston, Tito Polo and Ryan Nagle all picked up two hits. Hughston is now 5-8 in his last two games with three runs batted in.

The Power aim for the four-game sweep Sunday afternoon. J.T. Brubaker will make the start for West Virginia and will be opposed by Legends starter Scott Blewett. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 P.M. at Appalachian Power Park.

First Half Record 8-2

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 16, 2016


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