4 Scrappers pitchers combine to blank hot ValleyCats

Staff report

TROY, N.Y.

Four Mahoning Valley Scrappers pitchers combined on Wednesday to blank the New York-Penn League’s leading offense.

In a relief role, Jose Zapata earned his first win as the Scrappers shut out the Tri-City ValleyCats, 1-0.

The Scrappers scored the run on a wild pitch. D’Vone McClure led off the seventh inning with a double. Austin Fisher sacrificed him to third base.

With Yonathan Mendoza at the plate, ValleyCats reliever Vince Wheeland (0-1) uncorked a wild pitch to the backstop that allowed McClure to race home.

The Scrappers (20-26) won their 12th game in the past 18 to remain in the league’s wild-card chase.

In his first professional start, Jordan Carter threw for five innings. He allowed four hits, struck out four and walked none. Carter twice was able to work out of a jam with ValleyCats in scoring position.

Zapata (1-2) pitched for 21/3 innings, allowing two hits and striking out three.

Luis Gomez recorded the final out of the eighth inning and J.P Feyereisen earned the save despite allowing two hits in the ninth inning. He recorded three strikeouts to end the game.

The ValleyCats (31-15) stranded seven baserunners and the Scrappers eight. Scrappers Fancisco Mejia and Bradley Zimmer also doubled.

Their three-game series resumes tonight.