Scrappers shut out Auburn 2-0; Smit hits homer

AUBURN, N.Y. — Jason Smit’s first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the second inning, provided the only runs of the game and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers pitching staff did the rest in a 2-0 victory over the Auburn Doubledays in a New York-Penn League game on Wednesday night at Falcon Park.

Smit’s bomb followed a single by Ben Carlson with one out against Auburn starter Dave Sever.

Mahoning Valley had three hits in the inning — Justin Toole hit a double later in the frame — but had just four the rest of the game.

Meanwhile, Scrappers starter Preston Guilmet and three relievers allowed just four hits all game.

Guilmet (3-2) went the first six innings, allowing the four hits.

He allowed just two runners to reach as far as second base. Bradley Glenn was hit by a pitch and went to second on a wild pitch in the second inning, and Ryan Goins hit a two-out double in the sixth.

Guido Fonseca, Nick Kirk and Tyler Sturdevant pitched one hitless inning each, with Sturdevant striking out the side in the ninth for his first save of the season.

The Scrappers have won two straight games by shutout, defeating Batavia 3-0 on Tuesday.

Mahoning Valley pitchers have thrown 19 consecutive shutout innings.

In fact, the Scrappers have been involved in three straight shutout games; they were held without a run in a 2-0 loss to Batavia on Monday.

Sever (3-3) took the loss, allowing two runs and four hits in five innings.

Mahoning Valley improved its record to 24-16 overall and 10-10 on the road.

The series concludes today with a 7:05 p.m. game. The Scrappers then return to Eastwood Field starting Friday for four games — two each against Batavia and Auburn.

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HOW THEY SCORED

Scrappers 2nd — Folgia grounds out, first baseman to pitcher. Carlson singles to left fielder. Smit homers to left field, Carlson scores. Vera strikes out. Toole doubles to right fielder. Henry walks. Smith strikes out. 2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB.