SAL1 Lexington Legends

Three, Four-Run Innings Propel Legends over Tourists

Published on July 2, 2018 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Lexington Legends News Release


Lexington Legends pitcher Andres Sotillet prepares to throw
Lexington Legends pitcher Andres Sotillet prepares to throw
(Lexington Legends)

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends and Asheville Tourists scored a combined 28 runs, with the Legends coming out on top 18-10. The Legends improve to 41-38 on the season while the Tourists drop to 33-46.

Lexington started their scoring in the bottom of the first with a solo homer by Brewer Hicklen and led 1-0.

In the top of the second, Chad Spanberger singled to left field then scored on a two-run home run by Casey Golden and the Tourists led 2-1.

The Legends answered in the bottom of the second. Cristian Perez singled up the middle then stole second base. Sebastian Rivero lined an RBI double down the left field line, tying the game at two. With Rivero at second, Ricky Aracena smacked another RBI double, putting the Legends back on top, 3-2. Hicklen then recorded his second hit of the night, bringing home Aracena and Lexington led 4-2.

The Tourists would tie the game again in the third. Tyler Bugner leadoff with a single to centerfield then moved to second when Bret Boswell drew a walk. With runners at first and second, Sean Bouchard lined a two-run double to right centerfield and the game was tied at four.

Asheville led off the fourth with another single by Taylor Snyder. An RBI single by Bugner scored Snyder and the Tourists led 5-4.

In the bottom of the fourth, Sebastian Rivero sent a single to left field. Cal Jones then clubbed a two-run homer to left field to put the Legends back on top, 6-5.

In the top of the fifth, home runs by Spanberger and Marcelino put the Tourists ahead, 7-6.

Lexington then recorded one of their three four-run innings in the bottom of the fifth. Nick Pratto lined a leadoff single to left field then moved to third when Seuly Matias was hit by a pitch and Manny Olloque drew a walk. Perez then popped up a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Pratto. Rivero then smashed a three-run homer, and the Legends were on top, 10-7.

In the top of the sixth, Ryan Vilade hit a home run to left centerfield, but Lexington still led 10-8.

The scoring parade continued in the bottom of the sixth for Lexington. Pratto drew a walking then moved to second when Matias was hit by a pitch again. Olloque then brought them both home with a two-run double. Perez and Rivero then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks. Jones drew a walk, scoring Olloque. With the bases still juiced, Aracena hit a fielder's choice to the second baseman bringing in another run. Lexington led 14-8 after the sixth.

In the top of the seventh, Spanberger reached on a leadoff single to right field then scored on the very next batter. Casey Golden lined an RBI double to centerfield, but Lexington still led 14-9.

Lexington plated their final runs of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs. Rivero drew a walk then moved to second on a single by Cal Jones and Aracena loaded the bases when he was walked. Hicklen then popped up a ball in the infield, but it fell between three Tourists for a two-run double. MJ Melendez then hit a groundball down the third base side that went between the legs of the third baseman, Snyder, bringing in two more runs and the Legends led 18-9.

Golden scored Asheville's final run of the game with a leadoff homer in the top of the ninth, but Lexington held on to the 18-10 victory.

Sal Biasi earned the win pitching 2.0 innings allowing three runs on three hits while striking out four. Justin Valdespina was given the loss, throwing 1.2 innings allowing eight runs on four hits while walking four and striking out one. Andres Sotillet made the start for the Legends pitching 4.0 innings allowing five runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out four.

The Legends and Tourists meet tomorrow, July 3 at 7:05 p.m. for the series finale at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. What is more American that baseball, fireworks and hot dogs? The Legends will have all three on July 3rd! It will be a Fourth of July celebration, but just a day early. Fans can treat themselves to 25¢ Eisenburg hot dogs all night long! Following the final out, the Legends will have the largest fireworks show in Lexington to end the night.

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 Andres Sotillet prepares to throw
Lexington Legends pitcher Andres Sotillet prepares to throw
   



South Atlantic League Stories from July 2, 2018


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