Scrappers move into first place with victory

Staff report

AUBURN, N.Y.

Rob Nixon and three relievers combined on a four-hit shutout to lead the Mahoning Valley Scrappers to a 2-0 victory over the Auburn Doubledays on Saturday night.

The Scrappers (6-3) won their second straight game and moved into a tie for first place in the New York-Penn League’s Pinckney Division.

The Scrappers play host to State College for three games at Eastwood Field beginning today at 5:05 p.m.

Jerrud Sabourin had two hits — equaling his season total in 25 previous at-bats — and a RBI for the Scrappers, while Tony Walters and Jordan Smith both hit a double and scored.

Walters is batting .300 (9 for 30) this season.

Nixon (1-1) went the first five innings for the Scrappers, allowing three hits and striking out five.

Cody Allen followed with two innings of one-hit relief, and Ramon Cespedes and Kyle Petter finished up with an inning each. Petter earned his second save.

The Scrappers pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts.