Lake Monsters pound Scrappers starter

Staff report

BURLINGTON, VT.

A six-run second inning sent the Mahoning Valley Scrappers to their 13th loss in 18 games.

The Vermont Lake Monsters (7-11) shelled Scrappers starter Leandro Linares (0-3) for eight runs in just two-and-one-third innings in rolling to Wednesday’s 9-4 victory.

Linares surrendered five hits and walked four as the Scrappers fell behind, 7-0.

Mark Mathias and Emmanuel Tapia each had three of the Scrappers’ 12 hits. Li-Jen Chu had two. Chu drove in two runs while Tapia and David Armendariz each had one RBI.

Ahead 1-0 in the second inning, the Lake Monsters’ rally began with a walk to Seth Brown. After Jesus Lopez singled to send Brown to third, Gabriel Santana contributed a RBI groundout.

Linares walked the next two batters to load the bases. With two outs, Steven Pallares hit a two-run single for a 4-0 lead, Mike White followed with a three-run homer.

Trailing 8-0, the Scrappers scored twice in the fourth inning. Ka’ai Tom reached on and error and Nathan Winfrey single. Tapia singled home the Scrappers’ first run. Chu followed with a RBI double.

Chu contributed a RBI triple in the sixth inning.

The Scrappers’ bullpen allowed one run in five-and-two-thirds innings. Johan Puello relieved Linares in the third inning. He allowed one run on two hits. He walked three and whiffed two.