WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends overcame a six-run deficit to take down the Hickory Crawdads, 8-6. The Legends improve to 58-61 while the Crawdads drop to 69-48. The Crawdads plated their first two runs in the top of the first inning. Jonathan Ornelas lined a leadoff
WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends overcame a six-run deficit to take down the Hickory Crawdads, 8-6. The Legends improve to 58-61 while the Crawdads drop to 69-48.
The Crawdads plated their first two runs in the top of the first inning. Jonathan Ornelas lined a leadoff double to right centerfield then moved to third on a single by Josh Jung. A two-run single by Melvin Novoa drove them home and Hickory led, 2-0.
In the top of the second inning, Matt Whatley led off with a double to right centerfield then was able to score on an RBI groundout by Ornelas. Josh Jung then hit a RBI double to right field and the Crawdads led, 4-0. Tyreque Reed then smashed a two-run homer and Hickory led, 6-0.
Lexington started the comeback in the bottom of the second inning. Nick Hutchins reached on a fielder's choice then moved to second on a single by Reed Rohlman. Rudy Martin then blasted a three-run home run to right field and the Legends were on the board, 6-4.
Hudgins then hit his eighth home run of the season to left field and Lexington pulled within one, 6-5.
The Legends took the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Eric Cole drew a leadoff walk then moved to second on a single by Chris Hudgins. Hutchins then roped an RBI single to right field and the game was tied, 6-6. Reed Rohlman then hit a groundout to the short stop allowing Hudgins to score. Leading 7-6, Chase Vallot looped an RBI single into left field and Lexington extended their lead, 8-6.
Tyler Gray was awarded the victory tossing 2.2 shutout innings allowing two hits and striking out two. Ted Cillis tossed a career high 4.0 shutout innings allowing one hit while walking one and striking out one. Heven Bueno was given the loss pitching 2.0 innings allowing three runs on four hits while walking two and striking out three.
The Legends and Crawdads meet again tomorrow, August 13 at 7:05pm for game two.
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.
