Thursday, July 20, 2006
Rotation change: Scrappers manger Rouglas Odor has made a change in his starting rotation. Left-handed pitcher William Delage was scheduled to pitch tonight, but has been moved back to Friday, while newcomer Eric Stiller, a right-hander who came up this week from Burlington in the Rookie League, will get his first start with Mahoning Valley tonight against the Renegades.
Topping the stats: Scrappers infielder Andy Lytle continues to lead the New York-Penn League in batting with a .367 average in 23 games. Lytle sat out Wednesday's game after getting hit in the face while running to first base in the eighth inning. Lytle is listed as day-to-day by the training staff.
Other leaders: Right-handed pitcher Luis Valdez leads the league in victories with five, just two as a starter. He is also among the leaders in ERA with a 1.38 mark in 26 innings. Relief pitcher Neil Wagner's six saves is ranked third in the league, while Adam Davis has three triples, which is second-best in the league.
Tonight's promotions: A big turnout is expected tonight at Eastwood Field. It is the second "Buck Night," which means $1 ticket, $1 beer and $1 hot dogs out in the bullpen. It is also National Hot Dog Day with the originators of the hot dog, the Stevens Family from Niles, being represented in a pre-game ceremony unveiling a special plaque that was made in their honor. There will also be a hot dog eating contest between innings. It will also be the first appearance of Dora the Explorer for all the youngsters.
Hots and colds: Scrappers outfielder Stephen Douglass is hitting .320 in his last 10 games (8-for-25) and catcher/designated hitter Matt McBride is hitting .385 (10-for-26) over his current seven-game hitting streak. Oufielder Cirillo Cumberbatch, meanwhile, has just one hit in his last 17 at bats, while third baseman Jared Goedert has cooled down, hitting just .185 (5-for-27) over his last 10 games.
Pete Mollica