Legends win 6-2, take three of four from Hickory

(APPLEBEE'S PARK, Lexington, Ky.) Jay Austin's three-run double was the big hit in a five-run second inning, and the Lexington Legends went on to beat the Hickory Crawdads 6-2 Friday night at Applebee's Park. The Legends took three of four games in the series.

Hickory had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the second when Cristian Santana doubled and scored on a two-out single by Leonel De Los Santos.

In the bottom of the second, the Legends sent nine men to the plate. Brian Pellegrini led off with a double and advanced to third on a single by Federico Hernandez. Albert Cartwright walked to load the bases, and after Jeff Hulett struck out, Chris Jackson singled to score Pellegrini and Hernandez, giving Lexington a 2-1 lead. Russ Dixon reached on an error, loading the bases again, and then Austin lined a double down the right field line, clearing the bases and making the score 5-1. Austin, who had been out of action due to a hamstring injury, was making his first appearance since August 10.

Hickory scored an unearned run in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 5-2, but the Legends answered when Cartwright hit his sixth home run of the year, a solo shot, in the bottom of the sixth.

David Duncan worked the first five innings for Lexington and picked up his fourth victory against three losses. Hickory starter Jake Brigham (2-9) was the losing pitcher.

The Legends open a three-game series against the Greenville Drive Saturday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Legends will hold their annual Fan Appreciation Night Saturday night, and the final fireworks show of the season will be held after the game.