Five-Run Ninth Inning Closes Door to Drive

FLUOR FIELD (Greenville, SC) - Propelled by a five-run ninth inning, the Lexington Legends took down the Greenville Drive with a 10-3 victory in the series finale. The Legends improve to 48-45 overall while the Drive falls to 40-55.
Greenville scored first in the bottom of the first inning. Ryan Fitzgerald drew a walk then was thrown out at second base on a groundball hit by Tanner Nishioka. Nishioka then moved to second on a walk by Garrett Benge. Pedro Castellanos then doubled both of them home and the Drive led 2-0.
The Legends powered back in the top of the second inning. Manny Olloque reached on a leadoff walk then moved to second on a single by Carlos Diaz. Cal Jones singled to right field, bringing home Olloque and advancing Diaz to second. With two men on, Marten Gasparini lined an RBI double to the right field corner, and the game was tied 2-2. With Jones at third and Gasparini at second, Matt Morales grounded out, but both runners advanced and the Legends took a 3-2 lead over the Drive. Brewer Hicklen brought home Gasparini with an RBI bunt single, extending Lexington's lead 4-2.
The Drive plated their final run of the game in the bottom of the third inning. Pedro Castellanos hit a double to left field then advanced to third on a wild pitch by Garrett Davila. Victor Acosta hit a groundball to the shortstop, Matt Morales who committed a throwing error and Castellanos was able to score.
In the top of the eighth for the Legends, Cristian Perez reached on a leadoff double then moved to third on a groundout by MJ Melendez. Olloque then popped up a sacrifice fly to right field, extending Lexington's lead 5-3.
The Legends ensured their victory with a five-run top of the ninth inning. Jones drew a leadoff walk then swiped second base before being joined on the base path by Gasparini who hit a single. Aracena then loaded the bases with a bunt single down the third base line. Lexington then proceeded to go station-to-station to bring in five runs. Morales singled to centerfield scoring Jones then Perez singled to right field, bringing home Gasparini. With the bases still juiced. MJ Melendez grounded out to second base while Aracena scored. With Perez at second and Morales at third, Olloque doubled deep to left field, bringing home two runs and the Legends led 10-3.
Garrett Davila was awarded the win for the Legends, pitching 4.0 innings allowing one run (unearned) on two hits while walking one and striking out three. Hildemaro Requena was given the loss throwing 6.0 innings allowing four runs on six hits while walking two and striking out six. Jacob Condra-Bogan earned the save pitching a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit and fanning one batter.
The Legends have a scheduled off day, tomorrow July 18 before returning to Whitaker Bank Ballpark on Thursday, July 19 at 7:05 p.m. to face the West Virginia Power. Both starting pitchers are 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.