Suns take first game from Legends 3-1
HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Hagerstown Suns (4-1, 48-27) only scored in one inning on Monday night, but that was enough to dispatch the Lexington Legends (1-4, 30-45) in the first game of a four-game series 3-1. The Suns now have a 5-4 lead in the season series with Lexington.
Hagerstown put up its only offense in the sixth. With one out, 2B Wilmer Difo lined a single to center field. Center fielder Isaac Ballou followed with a blast into the visitor's bullpen past the right-center field wall for his fifth homerun of the year to put the Suns up 2-1. It was the second homerun in as many games for Ballou, and the ninth homerun in the past five games for the Suns. Back-to-back doubles by DH Carlos Lopez and 3B Drew Ward led to the final run in the frame.
Lexington scored its only run in the top of the third. With two outs and a runner at first, 1B Frank Schwindel doubled to left, driving in SS Ramon Torres to make it 1-0. It was Schwindel's team-leading 19th double and 40th RBI of the season.
RHP Andrew Cooper (5-1) tossed three shutout innings in relief for Hagerstown to earn the win. He replaced starting LHP Brett Mooneyham, who went four innings in his 2014 Suns debut, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out five. LHP David Napoli pitched the final two scoreless innings for his first save of the year. RHP Pedro Fernandez (0-4) suffered the loss and blown save for the Legends. He went three innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits while striking out five.
These two teams continue their four-game series at Municipal Stadium on Tuesday June 24. The Suns will send LHP Hector Silvestre (3-4) to the mound for his 13th start and appearance of the year. He will square off against RHP Jake Junis (7-4) for Lexington. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.