Scrappers Take Rain-Shortened Series Opener Versus Cyclones

NILES, O.H. - Mother Nature did not permit a finish to Tuesday's series opener versus the Brooklyn Cyclones at Eastwood Field. However, it did permit the Mahoning Valley Scrappers to notch a 1-0 win in five innings after rain canceled the remaining four. With the Scrappers' win and Hudson Valley's 5-3 loss at Lowell, Mahoning Valley (23-12) gains control of the best record in the New York-Penn League by 0.5 games.
The lone run in Tuesday's game was scored on an RBI single by Jose Fermin with two outs in the bottom of the third inning. With one out, Henry Pujols reached on an infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error by Cyclones third baseman Chandler Avant. After Tre Gantt grounded out to advance Pujols to third base, Fermin delivered with a grounder past Cyclones second baseman Carlos Cortes to score Pujols.
Scrappers starter Zach Draper threw five scoreless innings, allowing two hits, walking two batters, and striking out five. Fermin's RBI single was one of five hits for the Scrappers. In addition, Tyler Freeman's 1-for-2 day increased his league-high batting average to .362 on the season.
The Scrappers have won four in a row and seven of its last eight games. Mahoning Valley also moved to 2-4 versus opponents outside of the Pinckney Division. Brooklyn and Mahoning Valley continues its series on Wednesday at Eastwood Field. Mahoning Valley's RHP Juan Mota (1-3, 6.60 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Brooklyn's LHP Kevin Smith (3-0, 0.64) at 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday is Bark at the Park Night presented by Sit Means Sit Mahoning Valley. Bring your dog to the ballpark and enjoy complimentary water stations. Wednesday is also Military Appreciation Night presented by NECA/IBEW Electricians and 570 WKBN. Those who show Military ID at the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field will get two free upper box seat tickets. Finally, every Wednesday home game is Wendy's® Wednesday. Get buy one, get one free upper box seat tickets with a Wendy's receipt or voucher from participating Wendy's locations.
For tickets, visit the Chevy All Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field, mvscrappers.com, or call (330) 505-0000.