Scrappers return home on a high note after 8-2 victory

Staff report

Staten Island, N.Y.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers pitching staff combined to throw 6 2/3 shutout innings in relief to take the series finale against the Staten Island Yankees 8-2 on Monday at Richmond County Ballpark.

The offense also produced 14 hits, led by a 3-for-6 performance from both Cody Ferrell and Claudio Bautista.

With the win, the Scrappers finished the road trip with a 4-2 record and improved to 12-23 overall. It was also the first time they won back-to-back series’ since their six game winning streak back at the beginning of the month.

Dace Kime started the game for the Scrappers and pitched the first 2 2/3 innings giving up three hits and two runs, only one of which was earned. Matt Whitehouse, Briely Puerta, and Trevor Frank finished off the game in relief, allowing only five hits to go along with four strikeouts. Whitehouse earned the win and improved to 2-0 on the season, while lowering his ERA to 0.47.

In addition to the three hits, Bautista also added his third home run of the year in the second inning to tie the game at two. Nellie Rodriguez then doubled and came around to score on a Josh McAdams’ RBI single to claim the lead that the Scrappers would never surrender.

All nine batters recorded a hit on Monday for the Scrappers, who are playing .500 baseball over their last 10 games. It was also the second time on the road trip the offense accounted for more than 13 hits.

They return home to start a seven-game home stand, which will begin tonight against the State College Spikes. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.