Scrappers Swept By Spikes

(State College, PA)-The Mahoning Valley Scrappers saw the State College Spikes score three early runs on Thursday night. The Scrappers would fight back and would eventually put the tying runs into scoring position in the ninth inning, but in the end it wasn't enough. The Scrappers fell for the third straight game to the Spikes, 3-1.
State College plated single runs in the second, third and fourth innings. Matt Duece brought home the first run with an RBI double. Stanley Espinal drove in the second run with an RBI single. The final run came on a solo homer from Dariel Gomez.
The Scrappers lone run would come in the top of the sixth inning. With two outs, Johnathan Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Billy Wilson followed with an RBI double to bring the score to the final of 3-1.
In the top of the ninth inning the Scrappers would get a bunt single from Wilson and a walk from Henderson De Oleo to put the tying runs on base. Eric Rodriguez followed with a sacrifice bunt to push both runners into scoring position. But back to back strikeouts would end the game.
Matt Turner (0-2) started and took the loss. He went 6.0 innings and allowed 3 earned runs on 6 hits. Turner walked 3 and struck out 1. Luis Valdez went the final 2.0 innings in relief. He walked 1 and struck out 2.

The Scrappers (7-6) return home on Friday night to face the Batavia Muckdogs. Reigning New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week Ethan Hankins gets the start for Mahoning Valley. First pitch is set for 7:05. Get your tickets now at mvscrappers.com or by calling 330-505-0000 or visiting the Chevy All-Stars box office at Eastwood Field.