Lex Legends
A nine-run fifth inning sent the Asheville Tourists to a 12-5 win over the Lexington Legends Wednesday night. Vince Fernandez drove in four runs for Asheville.
Colton Welker’s first-inning solo homer gave the Tourists an early 1-0 lead, but the Legends came back to take the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth. With one out, Marten Gasparini homered to tie the game, and back-to-back doubles by Rudy Martin and Khalil Lee put Lexington in front 2-1.
Max George opened Asheville’s big inning with a double. He went to third on a passed ball and scored on a single by Joel Diaz. After Brian Severn flied out, Eric Toole walked. Manny Melendez singled to load the bases and Jose Gomez followed with a single to right field. Diaz scored on the hit, and Toole came home on a throwing error by right fielder Rudy Martin. Colton Welker was intentionally walked, loading the bases again. Fernandez’ double scored two runs, and a triple by Willie Abreu scored two more. George drew a walk, putting runners at first and third, and Abreu came home after a foul pop fly was caught by Olloque, the first baseman. Severn’s double scored George with the final run of the inning, leaving Asheville with a 10-2 lead.
The Legends scored two runs in the seventh on a single by Olloque, a triple by Gasparini and a double by Khalil Lee.
Fernandez had a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth. John Brontsema’s homer in the top of the ninth closed out the scoring.
Asheville starter Alejandro Requena (3-2) worked the first six innings and got the win.
Legends’ starter Garrett Davila (4-1) took the loss, his first as a professional. He had a 7-0 record for Burlington in 2016 before winning his first four decisions this season.
The Legends won two out of three in the series, and will return home to open a four-game series with Augusta Thursday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m.