Scrappers Drop Pitcher's Duel to Spikes

July 25, 2017

State College, PA- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers found themselves in a classic pitcher's duel on Tuesday night at Lubrano Park. The Scrappers and State College spikes combined for just five runs and 14 strikeouts. The Scrappers would load the bases in the ninth inning, but the rally came up just short, falling 3-2.
            State College took the early lead in the bottom of the second inning. Josh Lopez started the inning with a single. With two outs he would come in to score on an RBI single from Yariel Gonzalez for the 1-0 lead.
            The Scrappers would tie the game in the top of the sixth inning. Hosea Nelson started the inning and moved to second on a Samad Taylor single. With two outs, Nelson would score from second on a sacrifice fly from Oscar Gonzalez when the Spikes right fielder, Brandon Benson, forgot how many outs there were and started running off the field.
            State College would respond in the bottom of the sixth to retake the lead. With one out Scott Hurst and Evan Mendoza would both single. Josh Lopez would follow and bounce into an RBI fielder's choice to put the Spikes back up 2-1.
            The Spikes added the eventual winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Wood Meyers tripled to start the inning and came in to score on Gonzalez's RBI sacrifice fly.
            Mahoning Valley would then rally in the ninth. With two outs Dillon Persinger walked and Tyler Friis singled. Jason Rodriguez would follow with an infield single to load the bases. However, Nelson would follow and would strike out to end the game.
            Gregori Vasquez (1-2) was the tough luck loser in 5.1 innings of work. He allowed two earned runs on four hits. Vasquez walked none and struck out four. Riley Echols would follow with 0.2 of an inning of relief. Echols allowed one earned run on one hit. He did not walk a batter and struck out one. Cameron Mingo pitched the final inning in relief. He did not allow a hit or a run while walking one.
The Scrappers will return home to start a six game home stand starting Thursday night when the Williamsport Crosscutters come to Eastwood Field. Zach Plesac will start for the Scrappers. First pitch is set for 7:05. Thursday will be another PNC Bank Thursday Buck Night. Call the Scrappers box office at 330-505-0000 to get your tickets or get them online at www.mvscrappers.com.