Legends Prevail in Pitching Duel with Walk Off Hit in Bottom of the Tenth

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - In a pitcher's duel to the final inning, the Lexington Legends walked it off in the bottom of the tenth with a 3-2 victory over the Greenville Drive. Lexington's Josh Dye led the way with a career-high eight strikeouts in only 3.0 innings of work. The Legends pitching staff combined for a season-high 18 strikeouts. With Greenville's 13 total strikeouts, the two teams combined for 31 strikeouts in the game.
The Drive plated their only runs of the game in the top of the third inning. Jordan Wren singled to right field then moved to second when Kole Cottam drew a walk. Triston Cases singled home Wren and the Drive were on the board, 1-0. Cottam then moved to third on a wild pitch by Charlie Neuweiler. A sacrifice fly by Marino Campana drove home Cottam and Greenville led, 2-0.
The Legends scored their first run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Rubendy Jaquez drew the leadoff walk then moved to second on a wild pitch. The catcher, Kole Cottam, threw down to second base, but the ball rolled into centerfield. Centerfielder Cole Brannen aired the throw to third base into the stands and Jaquez put Lexington on the board, 2-1.
Lexington tied the game in the bottom of eighth inning. Nick Hutchins lined a leadoff single to left field then moved to third on a single by Jeison Guzman. A sacrifice fly by Nate Eaton plated Hutchins and the game was knotted up 2-2.
In the top of the tenth inning, Hutchins was placed at second base as the Pace of Play Runner. Jeison Guzman then laid down a bunt to the mound, but the throw to first hit Guzman in the helmet and Hutchins scored the game winning run.
Josh Dye earned the victory for the Legends tossing 3.0 innings shutout innings allowing one hit while walking two and striking out a career-high, eight batters. Hunter Haworth was given the loss, throwing 3.0 innings in relief, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while walking two and striking out four. Lexington's starter, Charlie Neuweiler, pitched 5.0 innings allowing two runs on four hits while walking three and striking out eight.
The Legends and Drive meet for game three tomorrow, April 27 at 6:35pm. Lexington will send RHP Zach Haake to the mound to face Greenville's RHP Thaddeus Ward.
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.