Scrappers hold on for 10-9 win over Jammers

Scrappers hold on for 10-9 win over Jammers

Staff report

Jamestown, N.Y.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ bats are off to a hot start.

Their arms did just enough to hold off the Jamestown Jammers, 10-9, on Friday night in each team’s New York-Penn League season opener.

The Scrappers (1-0) sent 10 batters to the plate in the top of the first inning and had a comfortable 4-0 lead to show for it. Offense wasn’t an issue for the Scrappers, as they touched up four Jammers pitchers for 10 runs on 14 hits.

Jammers starter, Miguel Rosario, lasted just seven batters and was charged with four runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning.

His replacements faired slightly better, although the Scrappers scored in each of the first six innings. Catcher Francisco Mejia had three hits and drove in three runs to lead the Scrappers’ offensive barrage.

They were able to build a lead despite starter Sean Brady, Cleveland Indians fifth-round pick in 2013, getting knocked around his second time through the Jammers lineup. Brady lasted four innings for a no-decision.

The Scrappers opened the scoring in the first inning when Joel Mejia scored on Francisco Mejia’s two-out RBI-single. Three batters later, Yonathan Mendoza singled to drive home Mejia with the second run of the inning.

The Scrappers lead 7-1 after their half of the third, before Brady allowed the Jammers back in the game.

Luis Gomez, who entered in the fifth, was credited with the win. He struck out six and allowed three runs over three innings.

First baseman Leo Castillo drove in two runs on a pair of doubles for the Scrappers, which left 11 runners on base and were 6-for-24 with runners in scoring position.

James Stokes pitched the final two innings to get his first save of the season. Scrappers’ pitchers combined to walk two batters, while striking out 11.

Carl Anderson went 4-for-5 in the leadoff sport for the Jammers (0-1). Kevin Ross also had three hits and drove in three runs.

The Scrappers and Jammers play again tonight at 7:05. Juan Santana will start for Mahoning Valley.

The home opener at Eastwood Field is Tuesday against Auburn.