Suns even series with 7-1 win over Lexington

HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Hagerstown Suns (20-7) scored at least one run in each of the first six innings on Saturday evening to pull away from the Lexington Legends (12-17) and win comfortably by a final margin of 7-1. The win evens the four game series at one win apiece through the first two games.

 

Hagerstown's first two runs both came in the first inning. Left fielder Isaac Ballou led off the frame with a double to right. He advanced to third on an error and scored on a groundout to short. Later in the inning, catcher Craig Manuel hit a ground ball single to left with RF Estarlin Martinez standing on second base. Martinez was able to score on the hit and put the Suns ahead 2-0.

 

The lead increased to 3-0 in the second. First baseman James Yezzo led off with a triple to left, his first triple of the year. Second baseman Brennan Middleton then brought him home with a groundout to second.

 

Middleton scored a run of his own in the fourth, along with CF Rafael Bautista on a single by Ballou. That put Hagerstown ahead 5-0 and started a string of three straight innings in which the Suns scored. In the fifth Martinez drove in a run on a ground ball single up the middle, and in the sixth Hagerstown plated its final run thanks to a balk by RHP Andrew Edwards.

 

Lexington plated its lone run in the eighth. Right fielder Elier Hernandez led off the frame with a double to left. Two batters later SS Humberto Arteaga doubled to center field to bring in Hernandez and set the final score. Lexington finished the night with eight hits and half of them were doubles.

 

Starting RHP Nick Pivetta (4-2) held the Legends scoreless over five innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out six to earn the win. Starting LHP Luis Rico (0-4) suffered the loss for Lexington. He went four innings and gave up five earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two.

 

These two teams will battle again Sunday evening in Hagerstown when the Suns will send RHP Lucas Giolito (1-0) to the mound for his sixth start and appearance of the year. He will square off against LHP Cody Reed (0-1) for Lexington. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05pm. Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos, currently on the DL because of a broken hamate bone he suffered on opening day, will be making a rehab start on Sunday with the Suns.