Reyes Romp: Infielder's return leads WV

(Lexington, NC- August 18, 2015)-  The West Virginia Power beat the Lexington Legends 7-6 on Tuesday night at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. The Power rallied from a four-run hole and plated the eventual winning run in the top of the ninth.

Lexington scored four against West Virginia starting pitcher Colten Brewer in the bottom of the third. Samir Duenez hit a solo home run, Chad Johnson doubled in two and Wander Franco singled in Johnson to give the Legends a 4-0 lead. 

The Power halved the deficit with two runs in the top of the fourth inning. Michael Suchy and Jerrick Suiter reached on back-to-back singles and moved to scoring position on a sac bunt. With two outs, Taylor Gushue singled to center to drive in both Suchy and Suiter.

Brandon Downes hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to extend the lead back to three at 5-2.

In the top of the fifth, Kevin Newman singled and stole second. With two outs, Suchy worked a four-pitch walk and Jerrick Suiter reached on an infield single, driving in Newman. Nik Stephenson replaced Lexington starter Yunior Marte. Pablo Reyes drilled the first pitch of his at bat over the left field wall to the bleacher to give West Virginia a 6-5 lead.

The Legends evened the score on a double and a bloop single in the home half of the seventh.

In the top of the ninth, Jordan Luplow and Suchy each walked and Suiter singled to third base to load the bases. Reyes sac fly to center plated Luplow to give the Power a 7-6 edge. The Legends put the tying and winning runs on the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but Nick Neumann induced a ground ball back to the mound to close out the win.

Brewer did not factor in the decision, though left in line for the win, allowing five runs on seven hits over five innings. Jose Regalado allowed the seventh inning run and was charged with a blown save. Jared Lakind (1-0) pitched an inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief for his first win. Neumann's save was his fifteenth this season, matching Nathan Kilcrease's franchise record set on 2012.

Eight of the nine West Virginia batters had at least one hit, paced by four from Suiter. Reyes led all players with four runs batted in.

The Power and Legends close this three-game set at 1:35 pm on Wednesday afternoon. Austin Coley will start for West Virginia against Lexington's Matt Tenuta. The Power return to Appalachian Power Park on Thursday, August 20, to open a four game homestand against the Lakewood BlueClaws. For tickets or promotional information, call 304-344-BATS.