SHOREBIRDS DROP HEARTBREAKER, 7-6, IN EXTRA INNINGS

Aaron Bray Hits Game-Winner in 12th Inning

Lexington, Ky. – The Lexington Legends erased a four-run deficit in regulation and won the game in the 12th inning on a two-run single by Aaron Bray into center field to top the Shorebirds 7-6 on Thursday.

T.J. Baxter started the scoring in the top of the first inning. He blasted his fifth home run of the season over the left field wall to give the ‘Birds a 1-0 edge.

The Shorebirds tacked on two more runs in the third inning. Brian Conley hit a single up the middle. Then, Kieron Pope ripped a double into the right-center field gap to give the ‘Birds a 2-0 edge. Steve Bumbry followed with a hard hit one-hopper that skipped by Jose Altuve into right-center field to score Pope and give the ‘Birds a 3-0 edge.

The Legends cut into the lead in the third inning. After Moreau retired the first two batters, Grant Hogue connected on a double. The next batter, Jose Altuve whistled a double into the right-center field gap to score Hogue.

The ‘Birds tacked on another run in the fourth. Mikey Planeta reach on an error by second baseman Altuve. Luis Bernardo walked to push Planeta to second and Garabez Rosa dropped a sacrifice bunt to advance Planeta to third. T.J. Baxter then hit a line drive sacrifice fly to left field to score Planeta.

In the eighth inning, the Legends rallied against relief pitcher Brent Allar. Altuve and Jiovanni Mier reached on back-to-back walks with two outs. Then, Jake Goebbert connected on a two run double to the right-center field gap to trim the deficit to 5-3. Then, Kody Hinze hit a single back up the middle to plate Goebbert and get the Legends within a run.

In the ninth inning, the Legends tied the game. Andy Simunic hit a lead-off double. He scored on a flare single into right-center field by Grant Hogue to tie the game at 5-5.

Delmarva regained the lead in the 12th inning. Steve Bumbry drew a one out walk and advanced to second on a passed ball by Jordan Comadena. With two outs, Tyler Stampone hit a line drive single into left field and Bumbry scored.

The Legends were able to fight back in the home half against Pat Kantakevich. With the bases loaded and two outs, Aaron Bray hit a grounder up the middle to score Jiovanni Mier and Aaron Goebbert to give Lexington the walk-off win.

Nathan Moreau was stellar for the Shorebirds in seven innings. He allowed only four hits. Moreau also fanned seven batters.

Jose Trinidad earned the win, while Pat Kantakevich was tagged with the loss.

The Delmarva Shorebirds and the Lexington Legends square off in game two of the series on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood takes the hill for the Shorebirds.