Legends build lead, hold on for 7-5 win

D.J. Burt's two-run triple in the fifth inning broke a 1-1 tie, and the Lexington Legends held off a late comeback by the Asheville Tourists as the Legends took a 7-5 win Sunday afternoon at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

Solo homers by Xavier Fernandez of Lexington in the second inning and Yonathan Daza of Asheville in the fourth left the score tied at 1-1.

Tanner Stanley singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth to get the Legends' rally started. Jecksson Flores reached first on a fielder's choice when third baseman Mylz Jones threw late to second trying to get Stanley on a force play.   Roman Collins hit into a force at second, and with runners at first and third, Burt lined a triple over the head of Daza, the center fielder, scoring Stanley and Collins and giving the Legends a 3-1 lead.

The Legends extended the lead to 7-1 with four runs in the bottom of the eighth. Fernandez and Ben Johnson started the inning with singles, and with two outs, Flores was hit by a pitch.   Collins singled home two runs, and Burt's single scored another. Amalani Fukofuka's infield single loaded the bases again, and a single by Brandon Dulin brought home the final Lexington run.

                The Tourists did not go quietly in the ninth. A single by Daza and walks to Chris Rabago and Jones loaded the bases. After Daniel Concepcion relieved Franco Terrero for Lexington, Max George popped out, but Sam Hilliard launched a grand slam over the wall in left center field, closing the gap to two at 7-5.   Concepcion then struck out Terry McClure, and Collins made a diving catch in left field on a ball hit by Carlos Herrera to end the game.

                Legends starter Yunior Marte (6-4) got the win. He allowed seven hits and one run in five and one-third innings.   Marte struck out six batters and walked none.

                Fernandez, the Legends' catcher, threw out two runners trying to steal and also picked a runner off first base.

                Asheville starter Devin Burke (1-3), who pitched the first five innings, was the losing pitcher.

                The Legends have won two out of three in the series, which concludes Monday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m.