Gastonia, NC - It was a weekend that had a little bit of everything: big bats, bullpen drama, and a walk-off heartbreaker. The Lexington Legends came into Gastonia looking to keep pace atop the South Division, and while they left with just one win in three games, there was no shortage of fight — or firepower.
Monday’s series opener didn’t lack for offense. The Legends pounded out 13 hits and put together a couple of promising rallies, but a tough fifth inning for starter Patrick Wicklander turned the tide. Gastonia took advantage with a pair of home runs, and while Colin Burgess stayed hot with three hits and two RBIs, the comeback effort fell just short in a 6–4 loss.
Tuesday brought a doubleheader and a chance to reset - and Lexington made the most of it in Game 1. Shortstop Andy Atwood picked a perfect time to break out, belting his first two home runs of the season and driving in four, including the game-winner in a wild five-run seventh. Dalton Ross held the line out of the bullpen and Durbin Feltman slammed the door for his sixth save, giving the Legends a hard-earned 7–6 win.
Game 2 of the twin bill looked like it might go the same way. Brady Whalen came through with three RBIs, including the go-ahead knock in the fifth. But with the bullpen stretched thin, Lexington couldn’t hold the lead. A walk-off three-run homer from Gastonia’s Justin Wyle turned a 7–5 Legends advantage into an 8–7 stunner, and suddenly a winning road trip became a missed opportunity.
Even with the series loss, there’s plenty to like if you’re Lexington. The bats are cooking, and contributions are coming from up and down the lineup. The bullpen has had its hiccups, sure, but Feltman’s been lights out, and Ross continues to build trust in high-leverage spots. At 14-10, the Legends are still very much in the mix, and with a home stretch ahead, they’ll look to tighten up the late innings and keep the offense rolling.
The Legends now return to Lexington with eyes on Friday, May 23rd, for a series against the Charleston Dirty Birds. That Friday night will pitch at 7:00 PM, and will feature Tyler's Amazing Balancing Act during the game as well as postgame fireworks. Saturday, May 24th, will be Military Appreciation Night at Legends Field, presented by Hicks & Funfsinn, and more amazing postgame fireworks. That series will conclude on Sunday, May 25th, with Sunday Funday, presented by the YMCA, and Kids Club Day, presented by Great Clips.
About the Lexington Legends
The 2025 Lexington Legends are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of professional baseball in Lexington, presented by Lexington Clinic. Home games are played at Legends Field, located at 207 Legends Lane in Lexington, Kentucky. Please call 859-252-HITS (4487) or visit www.LexingtonLegends.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. Over its 26-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its 10 family-friendly ballparks that stretch from New York to North Carolina. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
