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Scrappers match franchise mark with 10th straight loss
By Steve Ruman
NILES
Ten!
Bo Derek helped make the number 10 synonymous with perfection in the late 1970s.
On Friday, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers stepped back to that era as they hosted a ’70s-themed night, complete with a fireworks show synchronized to music from the decade.
Unfortunately, there was nothing perfect about the play of the Scrappers. Not on Friday, and not for the past 10 games, for that matter.
The Scrappers fell to Tri-City, 2-1, in front of 3,054 fans at Eastwood Field.
The setback extended the Scrappers’ losing streak to 10 games, which ties a franchise record for consecutive losses. The Scrappers fall to 7-19.
“It’s frustrating. We’re just not getting the hits when we need to,” said Scrappers outfielder Cody Ferrell. “We’re not getting hits with runners in scoring position. That’s why we’re struggling.”
Ferrell collected two hits for the Scrappers, who outhit the ValleyCats 9 to 4. But, as he pointed out, the Scrappers weren’t able to get the big blast when they needed it the most. That included the ninth inning, when the home team had runners on first and third, but saw the game end when Claudio Bautista struck out.
“It’s a rough stretch, but we’re not letting up,” Ferrell said. “We come to the park and practice hard every day, and we play hard every night.”
The ValleyCats scored all the runs they would need in the top of the first off Scrappers starter Luis Lugo. James Ramsay scored on a fielding error by Scrappers shortstop Juan Herrera. Ryan Dineed then plated what would prove to be the winning run on an RBI double.
The Scrappers’ lone run came in the eighth, when Nellie Rodriguez belted his second home run of the season over the left-field wall.
Lugo eventually worked five innings, surrendering just the two runs on four hits. Despite a 2.08 earned run average, Lugo is now 1-3.
While the Scrappers continue to struggle mightily on the field, they are a success at the box office. In fact, all things considered, general manager Jordan Taylor probably deserves team MVP honors.
The Scrappers are averaging 3,465 fans per game through 13 home dates. In 2012, they averaged 3,054 fans per game. At their current pace, the Scrappers will eclipse a pace that hasn’t been reached since 2007.
Despite a miserable record and a constant threat of rain throughout the early part of the season, the Scrappers are averaging 411 more fans per game than they did a year ago.
“Two things (the front office) can’t control is the weather and the play on the field,” Taylor said. “We have to focus on giving fans every reason to come to the park. We have to provide the best entertainment value in the area.”
Taylor noted that group and season ticket sales both increased from a year ago.
“Area businesses have really stepped up and they’ve taken advantage of our affordability,” Taylor said. “We also continue to have a loyal fan base who come back year after year.”
The Scrappers have also benefited from three Thursday Buck Night home games, including a July 4 game which attracted 6,576 fans — the eighth-largest crowd in Eastwood Field history.
“Independence Day is always a big day for minor league franchises,” Taylor noted.
In terms of promotions, the best is yet to come. The remaining home schedule includes three Buck Nights and three post-game fireworks shows. There are also four upcoming bobblehead giveaways.
“Obviously, we hope the team turns things around,” Taylor said. “Winning always helps the gate. But we’ll keep plugging away, giving fans every reason to come to Eastwood Field.”
The Scrappers hope to end their losing steak tonight when they host Vermont.