Scrappers Walk Off in Extra Innings

Niles, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers entered the ninth inning on Wednesday night, 0-9 when trailing after eight innings. Jason Rodriguez put an end to that number quickly when with one out, he doubled to drive in Jesse Berardi from first for the Scrappers first come from behind win of the season. The 5-4 final, gives the Scrappers the series win over the Brooklyn Cyclones.
            Brooklyn would strike first with two runs in each the second and third innings off of Scrappers' starter Francisco Perez.
            In the second inning the Cyclones got RBI hits from Jose Maria and Carlos Sanchez to put them on top 2-0. In the third inning it would be an RBI single from Jose Miguel Medina and an RBI ground out by Ricardo Cespedes that would push the Brooklyn lead to 4-0.
            The Scrappers finally got on the board in the fifth inning. Tyler Friis delivered an RBI sacrifice fly to score Berardi from third.
            In the bottom of the eighth inning the Scrappers would cut the deficit in half when Samad Taylor launched a solo homerun to left. It was the third straight game with a homerun for Taylor.
            In the bottom of the ninth inning the Scrappers would rally once again. Rodriguez who was pinch hitting for Gianpaul Gonzalez who left with an injury, blasted a leadoff homerun to left for his first homer of the season. Friis then followed with a single and moved to second on a throwing error and then to third on a wild pitch. Taylor would deliver once again as he tied the game with an RBI fielder's choice with one out to tie the game 4-4.
            In the top of the tenth inning, Scrappers' reliever Cameron Mingo allowed a leadoff triple, but would work around it, stranding the runner at third.
            Rodriguez would then come through once more in the bottom of the tenth. With one out and Berardi at first, Rodriguez doubled into the leftfield corner. Berardi raced around third and would score the game winning run when Cyclones' catcher Carlos Sanchez dropped the ball while trying to make the tag.
            Perez earned a no decision in five innings of work. He allowed four runs, three earned, on five hits. Perez walked one and struck out four. Eli Morgan would follow with two innings of relief. Morgan did not allow a baserunner and struck out three. Mingo (2-0) picked up the win with three scoreless innings of work. Mingo allowed two hits and walked two while striking out two.
  The Scrappers will go for the series sweep on Thursday night at 7:05. Grant Hockin will get the start for the Scrappers. Call the Scrappers box office at 330-505-0000 to get your tickets or get them online at www.mvscrappers.com.