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Heasley Hurls Gem; Fans Career High 10 Batters in Legends Victory

Posted at 6:17 PM, May 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-19 18:17:11-04

WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) – The Lexington Legends were able to hold on to the 7-5 victory over the Asheville Tourists on Sunday afternoon. Led by a career outing by Jon Heasley, the Legends’ pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts and while at the plate, Lexington blasted a season high, three home runs.

Leading off the top of the second inning, Danny Edgeworth hit a solo home run to right field putting Asheville on top 1-0. Legends pitcher Jon Heasley then struck out next three batters he faced to end the inning.

Lexington took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Nate Eaton was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Eric Cole then blasted a two-run home run to left field and the Legends took the 2-1 lead. Freddy Fermin and Reed Rohlman then reached on back-to-back singles. Chase Vallot was also hit by a pitch which loaded the bases. Juan Carlos Negret then grounded out to the shortstop allowing Fermin to score. The Legends led 3-1 after the fourth inning.

Jeison Guzman smashed a solo home run to right field to lead off the bottom of the fifth inning, further extending Lexington’s lead 4-1.

The Legends continued to score in the bottom of the sixth inning. Rubendy Jaquez led off with a single to right field then swiped second base. Eaton drew the walk by Derrick Watson, putting runners at first and second. Eric Cole then popped up a fly ball down the right field side, but the second baseman dropped the ball, allowing Jaquez and Eaton to score.

Chase Vallot then parked one in the Eisenberg Bleachers in left field for this sixth homer of the season. Lexington led 7-1 after the seventh.

The Tourists mounted a comeback in the top of the ninth inning. With one out, Will Golsan and Coco Montes reached on back-to-back singles. Luke Morgan then struck out for the second out. Edgeworth then drew a walk to load the bases. Grant Lavigne lined a two run single down the right field line and the Tourists trailed 7-3. Johnny Cresto then hit a two run double to the left field wall and Asheville pulled within two runs, 7-5. The Legends went to their bullpen and had Kyle Hinton record the final out. He induced a groundout to first base and the Legends held on to the 7-5 victory.

Jon Heasley was awarded the victory tossing 6.0 innings allowing one run on one hit while walking one striking out a career high 10 batters. Shelby Lackey was given the loss pitching 4.2 innings allowing four runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out five.

The Legends and Tourists wrap up their series tomorrow, May 20 at 7:05pm. Lexington will send LHP Kris Bubic (4-1, 2.21 ERA) to face Asheville’s LHP Colten Schmidt (0-2, 4.00 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.