Six-run third inning does in Scrappers

STATE COLLEGE, PA.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers only managed to score two runs on nine hits, as they fell to State College, 8-2, on Thursday.

After falling behind by a run early, the Scrappers allowed the Spikes to cross the plate six times in the third inning.

Greg Allen, Ordomar Valdez, and Leo Castillo each had two hits. Allen and Castillo drove in the only two Scrappers runs.

They return home for a three game series against Williamsport beginning tonight at 7:05.

Mill Creek closed for Greatest Golfer event

Youngstown

Mill Creek Golf Course will be closed Aug. 22 to host the Greatest Golfer of the Valley event. Both the North and South courses will be closed to the public and will reopen on Aug. 23.

For more information about Mill Creek MetroParks, visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

Ex-Fitch player named college’s tennis coach

GLENSIDE, PA.

Former Austintown Fitch and University of Mount Union tennis standout Shawn Hyden has been named the first full-time head coach for tennis at Arcadia University. He will coach both the men’s and women’s teams beginning with the 2014-15 season.

Hyden spent the last three seasons as an assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach at the University of Mount Union. He is a 2006 Mount Union graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He also earned his master’s degree in applied politics from The University of Akron in 2009 and earned a post baccalaureate certificate from Kent State University in 2012.

Brookfield Hall of Fame event is Sept. 27

BROOKFIELD

The 2014 Brookfield Athletic Hall of Fame banquet will be held Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the high school. This year’s inductees are: Harold Green 1955, Ron Rotunno 1964, Larry Patsey 1976, Bo Reichart 1990, and the undefeated 1949 Football team.

All the inductees will be introduced at halftime of the football game on Sept. 26. Banquet tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the high school, at Laddies or at Logan & Company.

Pirates get Indians’ Axford in waiver trade

CLEVELAND

Indians right-hander John Axford was traded to Pittsburgh on Thursday in a waiver deal as the Pirates look for help for their inconsistent bullpen. Axford, 31, lost his closer job in May to right-hander Cody Allen. The Pirates will be responsible for the reported $1.3 million remaining on the one-year, $4.5 million contract Axford signed with the Indians in December.

Axford went 2-3 with a 3.92 ERA in 49 games with 10 saves, eight of those in March and April. In August, Axford has a 12.00 ERA in three innings with one save.

Stewart out at Michigan after dirt-car death

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Tony Stewart says he will not race Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, skipping a second straight NASCAR Sprint Cup race since striking and killing a driver in a dirt-track race at a small New York track. Stewart announced the decision Thursday. His plans for the rest of the season have not been determined. Jeff Burton will drive Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet in Michigan.

Djokovic upset in Western & Southern

MASON, Ohio

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic tumbled out of the Western & Southern Open on Thursday, and second-seeded Roger Federer avoided an upset in the round of 16. Tommy Robredo, seeded 16th, beat Djokovic, 7-6 (6), 7-5, and Federer escaped with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Gael Monfils. Andy Murray also advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 7-6 (2) win over John Isner.

In women’s play, top-seeded Serena Williams posted a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Flavia Pennetta. Simona Halep also reached the quarterfinals, where she will meet Maria Sharapova.

Staff reports/Associated Press