Lexington finishes first half nine games over .500

HOUSTON -- The Lexington Legends, the Astros' Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League, wrapped up the first half of the season with a 39-30 record, putting them in fourth place in a very competitive Southern Division.

Nick Tropeano and two Lexington relievers combined to shut out the Asheville Tourists on four hits in a 2-0 win Sunday in the final game of the first half. Tropeano carried a no-hitter in the sixth inning and finished the first half with 91 strikeouts, which is second in the league.

Third baseman Matt Duffy finished ninth in the league in hitting (.321) in the first half of the season and was tied for sixth with 11 home runs. Second baseman Delino DeShields Jr. leads the league with 45 stolen bases in 66 games, which is 10 more steals than anyone else. He has been caught seven times.

Tropeano (5-4) is eighth in the league in ERA, in addition to being second in strikeouts. Starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz (9-1, 2.13 ERA) is second in the league in ERA and first in wins. He's allowed only 69 hits in 84 2/3 innings, which leads the league.