SCRAPPERS NOTEBOOK From Eastwood Field
Level-headed: Scrappers manager Mike Sarbaugh isn't thinking too much about his team moving into playoff contention after such a slow start to the season. "The main thing for these guys is to get better, and hopefully by the end of the season, they'll be ready to go to a full-season club," Sarbaugh said. "If we just keep doing our thing, [the playoffs] will take care of itself. I don't think you start thinking about that until a week or two left."
Taking advantage: The Scrappers scored three runs off Hudson Valley wild pitches Thursday. Two runs were scored Wednesday with the help of wild pitches. "We're putting some pressure on the opposition," Sarbaugh said. "When you have runners in scoring position, that plays into the wild pitches. You have to put pressure on them to have those things happen. Hopefully we can continue that."
Bean balls: Getting beaned by pitchers is nothing new to the Scrappers' Chris Gimenez, who became one of Nevada's all-time leaders in the category. Gimenez leads Mahoning Valley with 12 hit-by-pitches, including one Thursday night. The Scrapper with the second-most hit-by-pitches is Mike Butia with five.
Golden Flash: Andrew Sonnanstine, a right-handed relief pitcher for Hudson Valley, is from Kent State University. He entered the game in the sixth inning, with the Renegades trailing 8-3. Sonnanstine pitched two innings, allowing one hit while striking out three.
Home series: Batavia arrives at Eastwood Field tonight for a three-game series beginning at 7:05. Scott Lewis (0-1, 13.50), the Cleveland Indians' third-round pick in the June draft from Ohio State, is scheduled to start against the Muckdogs. A fireworks show will follow the game.
Brian Richesson