vindy.com | Scrappers still searching for ‘O’

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Photo by: David Dermer

Scrappers baserunner Jairo Kelly slides safely into third base to complete a triple in the bottom of the third inning of Monday’s game at Eastwood Field.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers entered Monday’s game against Williamsport in desperate need of a solid pitching performance to help offset an ailing offense.

Making his second start of the season, DeJesus surrendered just one run on three hits in six innings of work.

Unfortunately, the Scrappers bullpen called in sick, and the result was a 3-2 Williamsport win in front of 3,197 fans at Eastwood Field.

The setback also wasted a stellar performance by DeJesus, who does not have a decision despite the fact he has not surrendered a run in two starts.

For the season, DeJesus has worked 11 innings, striking out 11 and issuing just six hits and one walk.

On Monday, DeJesus struck out eight. His only mistake of the night came in the fifth inning, when he surrendered a solo home run to Brian Porter to lead off the frame. The blast cut the Crosscutters deficit to 2-1.

“It’s a shame to see such a strong start go for naught,” said Scrappers manager Ted Kubiak. “Luis was strong right down to his last batter. There’s no secret in what he does. He throws hard and he’s very aggressive when he takes the mound.”

Mahoning Valley, which has struggled offensively during the first week of the season, scored the game’s first run in the third inning. Leadoff hitter Jairo Kelly smacked a one-out triple down the first-base line, then crossed the plate on a Charlier Valerio RBI single.

The Scrappers took a 2-0 lead an inning later. Aaron Siliga led off the frame with a double, advanced to third on a groundout, then scored when Erik Gonzalez reached on an error.

The Scrappers entered Monday’s game with .210 team batting average – a New York-Penn League low. They were also last in the league in runs (20), hits (50) and total bases (71).

“We had a good work day, and we did some good things out there today, so we’re not frustrated,” Kubiak said. “Baseball is a tough game. The key at this level is development, and our guys continue to work hard and come along.”

While the Scrappers struggled offensively late in the game, the Crosscutters bats came to life in the seventh. Cody Penny stuck out the first batter he faced in relief of DeJesus, but then three straight Williamsport batters reached base.

Larry Green started the rally by reaching on a full-count walk. Green scored on a Porter double, then Porter scored the deciding run on a Mitch Walding base hit.

“We thought that we had a strikeout [on Green], and he ends up reaching,” Kubiak said. “What looked to be two outs and no one on turns into a rally.”

Penny regrouped to strike out five in two innings of work, but the damage had been done.

The Scrappers tried to rally in the ninth, but the game ended when Charlie Valerio grounded out to second with a pair of runners on base.

DeJesus, who began the year as a reliever at Lake County, is pleased to be starting with the Scrappers.

“I kind of got the butterflies out of my system at Lake County. I was nervous pitching there, but then I came here and now I’m just excited to take the mound,” DeJesus said. “I’m definitely a lot more relaxed. I’m just concentrating on doing my thing.”

“We preach all the time that it’s a long season, and guys will go in slumps at the plate,” Kubiak said. “These guys are in great spirits. They’ll be fine.”

The Scrappers and Crosscutters continue their three-game series tonight at 7:05.

E—Quell (5). DP—Scrappers 1. LOB—Williamsport 2, Scrappers 10. 2B—Pointer (1), Siliga (1). 3B—Kelly (1). HR—Pointer (1). CS—Walding (1).

WP—Broussard. HBP—by Milner (Sever), by Milner (Naquin), by Guth (Frazar). Umpires—Home, Sam Vogt; Bases, J.J. Bilinski. T—2:48. A—3,197.