MJ Melendez Dazzles in Second Shutout of the Season for Lexington Legends

APPALACHIAN POWER PARK (Charleston, WV) - The Lexington Legends, led by strong pitching by Carlos Hernandez and MJ Melendez at the plate, recorded their second shutout of season with a 6-0 victory over the West Virginia Power. Lexington's record improves to 19-19 and West Virginia drops to 23-15. Legends pitchers combined to allow just three hits, the lowest amount of hits allowed this season.
The Legends began scoring in the top of the first inning. Travis Jones led off the inning with a double to left field. With Jones on second, MJ Melendez homered for the first time of the night, putting the Legends ahead, 2-0.
In the top of the third inning, Jones was hit by a pitch by West Virginia's Sergio Cubilete. Melendez then doubled Jones home, and Lexington led 3-0.
Scoring continued in the top of the fifth. Jones recorded his second hit of the night, a single to left field. Melendez then blasted his second home run of the night over the centerfield wall, furthering the Legends' lead to 5-0.
In the top of the ninth, Julio Gonzalez drew a two-out walk. Gonzalez then advanced to third on a fielding error by West Virginia's second baseman, Kyle Watson. Travis Jones singled Gonzalez home, and the Legends extended their lead, 6-0.
Melendez finished the night going 3-for-5 with a double while scoring two runs and recording five RBI. His two home runs in tonight's game is the most he has hit in a single game in his career. He has now homered in three of his last four games.
Carlos Hernandez was spectacular on the mound. He tossed 5.0 hitless innings, while walking three and striking out five. Hernandez has not allowed a run in his last 10.0 innings. Tonight's 5.0 innings is the longest that Hernandez has gone in an outing without allowing a hit in his career. Holden Capps pitched in relief, throwing 3.0 shutout innings allowing three hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out two. Sal Biasi pitched the ninth, and did not allow a hit and walked one batter.
Game three between the Power and Legends is tomorrow, May 19 at 6:05 p.m. The Legends will send LHP Garrett Davila (2-1, 3.28 ERA) to face the Power's RHP Gavin Wallace (3-0, 3.86 ERA).
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.