Legends Double Up Drive in Game One Victory

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends opened game one of their series with the Greenville Drive with a statement 8-4 victory. The Legends now improve to 4-1 on the season and the Drive drop below .500 to 2-3.
The Drive scored first in the second inning, but did not hold on to the lead long. Michael Osinski roped a single down the first base line then advanced to second on a dropped third strike to Jagger Rusconi. Isaias Lucena then walked to load the bases. With the bases loaded, Kervin Suarez hit a two-run double to put the Drive ahead 2-0.
In the bottom of the second inning, Seuly Matias reached on a single to left field, extending his hit streak to five games. Matias then swiped second and was joined on the base path by MJ Melendez who drew a walk. Travis Jones loaded the bases when he drew the second walk of the inning. With the bases loaded, Jeison Guzman lined a three-run triple off the right field wall. The relay throw to the third baseman was off target and went out of play, so Guzman was awarded an extra base, scoring the fourth run of the inning.
Leading 4-2, the Legends struck again in the fifth. Ricky Aracena drew a walk and with two outs in the inning, Nick Pratto blasted his first home run of the season over the right field wall, extending the Legends lead to 6-2.
In the seventh, Guzman reached on his second hit of the night, a single into right field. He advanced to second, then third, on bunts by Aracena and Gigliotti. Guzman scored on a passed ball by the catcher Lucina, tacking on another run for the Legends. With Gigliotti on third, Matias recorded his second hit of the night, an RBI single scoring Gigliotti and the Legends led 8-4.
Andres Sotillet pitched 4.1 innings in his 2018 Legends debut. He allowed two runs on four hits while walking two and striking out five. Andrew Beckwith pitched in relief tossing 2.1 innings and allowing two runs on two hits. He struck out one and walked one. Joshua Mitchell went 1.1 perfect innings. Tyler Zuber pitched the ninth inning, hitting one batter but not allowing a run.
The same two teams meet Tuesday, April 10 at 7:05 p.m. at Whitaker Bank Ballpark for game two. LHP Jhonathan Diaz (1-0) will start for the Drive and RHP Nolan Watson NR gets his sescond start for the Legends.
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.