SCRAPPERS NOTEBOOK From Eastwood Field
Top talent: Having pitchers with big-league experience throw back-to-back games in short-season ball is pretty rare. But that's what happened the last two nights as Brian Tallet and Mike Porzio took the mound for Mahoning Valley. "That's a reason we're here, too -- to give those guys opportunities to throw in games to get ready for the big leagues," Scrappers manager Mike Sarbaugh said. "It's always nice for the younger kids to see how they go about their business."
Reaction: Porzio was impressed with Mahoning Valley's operation of a short-season club. "It's a pretty superb setup they've got here," he said. "They have a good draw with the fans; this is the middle of the week and they have a nice turnout [4,099]. They have nice facilities. These people have it better than they think right now."
No need to worry: Even with the Scrappers mired in a four-game losing streak, nothing really changes in preparation, Sarbaugh said. "A lot of these kids are [14] games into their professional career, so there's a lot of things going through their minds," he said. "They'll fight through it; just keep doing your work and try to get better every day. That's why they're here." Asked whether his players are feeling pressure to produce, Sarbaugh added, "I'm sure they're putting pressure on themselves, but that's just part of their development -- working through those downs."
Surprise, it's Auburn: There hasn't been much versatility to the Scrappers' schedule. Eight of their 14 games have come against Auburn, which has taken a 6-2 lead in the series. "They just seem like they have some older hitters who put good swings on the bat," Sarbaugh said. "Our pitching's been pretty good; we just had that one rough inning tonight [three-run seventh]. The last couple of nights, we've really thrown the ball well. We're just not scoring any runs."
Looking ahead: The Scrappers will finish their homestand against the Doubledays tonight at 7:05. Left-hander Ryan Knippschild (0-0, 5.00 ERA) will take the mound for Mahoning Valley. A schedule change has the Scrappers playing a doubleheader on Saturday, beginning at 6:05 p.m. in Jamestown and getting an off day on Sunday. Right-hander Richard De Los Santos (0-1, 3.07) will pitch the first game against the Jammers while Mariano Gomez (0-1, 3.07), rehabbing from Double-A Akron, will take the mound for the nightcap. The Scrappers will return home Monday to begin a three-game series against Vermont at 7:05 p.m.
-- Brian Richesson