Scrappers lose early lead, fall in Batavia

Staff report

BATAVIA, N.Y.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers jumped out to an early lead but couldn’t hold on in a 7-4 loss to the Batavia Muckdogs in Friday’s New York-Penn League game.

Josh McAdams singled, doubled and drove in a run and Juan De La Cruz had two hits and scored a run and Drake Roberts had two hits and a RBI for the Scrappers (3-5), who led 3-0 after the first inning.

D’vone McClure also doubled as the Scrappers compiled nine hits. But Mahoning Valley stranded 15 runners and batted just 4 of 18 with runners in scoring position.

Kieran Lovegrove started and lasted just 22/3 innings for Mahoning Valley, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks. Jordan Carter (0-1) pitched 21/3 innings of relief and got the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) on six hits. He did strike out six Muckdogs.

Aaron Blanton had two hits, including a triple, two runs and two RBIs to lead Batavia (6-2), which led 7-3 after five innings. Luis Alberto Sanz added three hits and scored twice and Kevin Grove had two hits, a run and a RBI.

Hayden Fox (2-0) got the win in relief, holding the Scrappers to one run in 22/3 innings.

Alexander Carreras pitched the final two innings to get his first save.

The Scrappers will finish their two-game series with Batavia today, then travel to Auburn for a two-game series. From there, Mahoning Valley returns home for a six game homestand beginning Tuesday against Batavia.