Scrappers can’t get clutch hit in loss

Staff report

STATE COLLEGE, PA.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers piled up nine hits but couldn’t get one in the most crucial moments, leading to a 4-1 loss to the State College Spikes in Sunday’s New York-Penn League game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Juan De La Cruz went 3-for-3 with a double for the Scrappers (22-25), who batted just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Mark Mathias scored in the first inning on a double by Ka’ai Tom.

State College scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning to take the lead and added an insurance run in the seventh. Cole Lankford hit two doubles, scored twice and drove in a run for the Spikes (24-24).

Kieran Lovegrove (1-4) started and lasted six innings for Mahoning Valley, giving up three runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out three.

Matt Esparza pitched the other two innings, giving up a run on four hits with a strikeout.

Jorge L. Rodriguez (4-2) started and went six innings for State College, giving up five hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Max Almonte and Kevin Alexander combined on three scoreless innings of relief, with Alexander getting his second save.