Suns trampled by Legends 12-4

HAGERSTOWN, M.D. - The Hagerstown Suns (19-7) surrendered eight runs to the Lexington Legends (12-16) over the first two innings on Friday night, as they fell by a final of 12-4 in front of 710 at Municipal Stadium. The 12 runs scored by Lexington are the most an opponent has scored against the Suns this season.

 

It was a six-run second inning which blew the game wide open. The Legends sent 10 hitters to the plate in the frame and collected five hits. The first of the five hits was a solo homerun by 1B Frank Schwindel to begin the inning. Following three consecutive walks to load the bases with no one out, 2B Ramon Torres singled to left to drive in two. Another single by DH Michael Antonio drove in Torres from second (Torres had advanced to second on a fielding error by LF Isaac Ballou). The final two runs of the inning scored on a two-out double by SS Humberto Arteaga.

 

In the previous half inning Hagerstown had cut a two-run deficit in half. Ballou led off the frame with a double to left. He advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a single by DH Drew Ward. The hit for Ward extended his current hitting streak to 10 games.

 

Lexington diminished any hopes of a Hagerstown comeback with three runs in the fifth to go up by 10. With the bases loaded and one out, Torres, Antonio, and LF Fred Ford hit three consecutive RBI singles to salt the game away. The final Legends run scored in the ninth on a double by CF Dominique Taylor.

 

Starting RHP Jake Johansen (2-1) was charged with allowing eight of Lexington's 12 runs as he suffered the loss. Johansen lasted just 1.1 innings, giving up the eight runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one. Starting RHP Jake Junis (2-2) picked up the win for the Legends. He pitched six innings, allowing four earned runs on 12 hits and one walk while striking out eight. RHP Kenny Swab threw the final three innings for Lexington to record his first save of the year.

 

These two teams will battle again Saturday evening in Hagerstown when the Suns will send RHP Nick Pivetta (3-2) to the mound for his sixth start and appearance of the year. He will square off against LHP Luis Rico (0-3) for Lexington. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05pm.