Jones and Vasquez Carry Scrappers Past Muckdogs

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Batavia, NY- Nolan Jones hit three doubles and drove in three runs while Gregori Vasquez tossed six dominant innings as the Mahoning Valley Scrappers topped the Batavia Muckdogs 8-2 on Friday night at Dwyer Stadium. The win snapped a four game losing streak and improves the Scrappers to 30-24.       
            Jones got the scoring started in the top of the first inning. With one out, he doubled and advanced to third on a groundout. Jones would then score the first run of the game on a wild pitch.
            In the top of the third inning the Scrappers would send 10 batters to the plate and broke the game open with six runs. Ernie Clement reached on a fielding error but drove in Jason Rodriguez who tripled to start the inning. Jones followed with his second double, driving in Clark Scolamiero and Clement. Oscar Gonzalez followed Jones with a triple of his own to score Jones. Then with one out, Will Benson connected on a two run homerun off the scoreboard in right field for a 7-0 lead.
            The Scrappers added on their final run of the game in the top of the ninth inning. Clement once again reached on an error to start the inning. Jones followed with his third double of the game to score Clement to push the Scrappers lead out to 8-0.
            The Muckdogs would break up the shutout with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but could not get any closer.  
            Vasquez (4-3) earned the win with 6.0 dominant innings. He allowed just two hits while walking one and striking out four. Kyle Nelson followed with 2.0 innings of relief. Nelson allowed one hit and struck out six. Jonathan Teaney worked the final inning. He allowed two earned runs on two hits. Teaney walked two without recording a strikeout.
            The Scrappers, with the win, reach the 30 win mark the quicker than any Scrappers team since 2011.  
            The Scrappers will now head to Morgantown, WV for a three game series with the West Virginia Black Bears. Kirk McCarty gets the start on Saturday night. First pitch is set for 7:05. The Scrappers return home on Tuesday night to host Batavia. Call the Scrappers box office at 330-505-0000 to get your tickets or get them online at www.mvscrappers.com.