Rockers Bats Come Alive in 13-5 Win

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point Rockers regained their offensive stroke in knocking 12 hits in a 13-5 win over the Lexington Legends on Saturday night at Truist Point. The Rockers used a five-run fifth inning to break-up a one-run game before cruising home to the victory.

High Point’s Michael Matinez had a pair of hits including a three-run homer while Jerry Downs and Adam Taylor each added a two-run single.

The Rockers were scoring runs almost from the first pitch of the game, tallying a pair of runs in each of the first three innings. Lexington starter Daniel Corcino (L, 2-6) walked the first two batters of the game and after Johnny Field moved to third on a fly ball to right by Jerry Downs, scored on a wild pitch. Michael Martinez then singled home Ben Aklinski, the first of four RBI on the night for Martinez.

Lexington scored a run in the second on back-to-back doubles by Blake Swihart and Cesar Cuevas. The Rockers’ two runs in the second came on an RBI single by Zander Wiel and on a fielding error by the Legends.  In the third, Jerry Downs singled with the base loaded to bring in both runs.

The Legends scored a pair in the top of the third on RBI singles by Phillip Ervin and Montrell Marshall.

Lexington was able to close to 6-5 in the top of the fourth when High Point starter Austin Glorius walked the bases full to start the frame before being relieved by Kyle Mott. An error by catcher Dakota Mulcay on a swinging bunt led to one run and a wild pitch plated the other score.

The Rockers blew up for six runs in the fifth inning with Adam Taylor collecting a pinch two-run single and a three-run homer by Martinez. High Point’s final run scored in the sixth when Mulcay collected his first professional hit, a double to right-center, and scored on a sac fly by Field.

Mott (W, 1-0) went two innings and did not allow a hit while walking one and striking out four to get the win. The Rockers relievers, Mott, Joe Johnson, Adam Choplick and John Hayes, struck out eight Legends over the final four innings.

The Rockers improved to 33-25 overall on the season. Gastonia swept a doubleheader from Southern Maryland to move their record to 40-17 with nine games remaining in the first half.

High Point and Lexington will conclude their three-game series on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at Truist Point.