Scrappers finish sweep of Muckdogs

Staff report

BATAVIA, N.Y.

Leo Castillo and Martin Cervenka each had two hits and two RBIs to power the Mahoning Valley Scrappers to a 7-6 victory over the Batavia Muckdogs on Sunday.

The Scrappers (30-37) used a four-run sixth inning to erase a 5-3 deficit and eventually clinch a three-game sweep of the Muckdogs (30-38).

Mahoning Valley’s Austin Fisher, Steven Patterson and Castillo all had RBI singles in the sixth and Bradley Zimmer added a run-scoring fielder’s choice.

Patterson and Taylor Murphy also had two hits each for the Scrappers. Murphy, who singled and doubled, had Mahoning Valley’s only extra-base hit. Ten of the Scrappers’ 11 hits were singles.

Reliever David Speer (2-1) got the win after working 4 2/3 innings and allowing three runs, all earned. He struck out six and allowed the game’s only home run — a two-run shot — by Muckdogs DH Brad Haynal.

Julian Merryweather started for the Scrappers and allowed three runs on four hits in two innings.

Mahoning Valley roughed up Batavia reliever Alex Carreras (5-3), who allowed four runs — all earned — and five hits in his only inning.

The Scrappers return to Eastwood Field for a 7:05 p.m. game tonight against State College. It’s the opener of a six-game homestand.