Aiken gets in some work, Scrappers get win at home

August 11, 2016 at 12:08a.m.

NILES

Finally, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers can once again claim a home-field advantage.

The Scrappers on Wednesday defeated Batavia 8-4 in front of 2,007 fans at Eastwood Field.

The victory lifted the Scrappers record to 24-27 overall, including a 13-12 record at home. It marks the first time since Aug. 4, 2011 that the Scrappers own a winning record at home.

The Scrappers' offense was paced by Gavin Collins and Emmanuel Tapia. Collins was 3 for 4 with three RBIs. Tapia blasted a two-run home run in the sixth inning.

Wednesday’s game featured the Scrappers debut of Brady Aiken. Listed by MLB.com as the Indians’ second-best prospect, Aiken was selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 2015 draft. The left-hander was previously selected as the overall No. 1 pick by the Houston Astros in 2014, but medical concerns nixed the deal.

The 19-year-old did not pitch in 2015 due to an arm injury which required Tommy John surgery. In the Arizona League this summer, Aiken posted an 0-4 record with a 7.13 ERA. In 24 innings, he allowed 19 earned runs while recording 35 strikeouts.

Aiken was equally ineffective against Batavia. In three innings of work, he gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits. He issued a pair of walks and hit a batter while recording one strikeout.

Despite the rough outing, Aiken was satisfied with his work.

“It was good, the first couple of innings were good, I made a few mistakes, but the most important thing for me was getting my feet under me here,” Aiken said. “I think it’s important for me to keep moving forward and keep working hard.”

Aiken gave up an unearned run in the first when Batavia leadoff hitter Aaron Knapp reached on a two-base error, then came around to score on a second miscue.

The Muckdogs got one hit off Aiken in the second, but the runner was gunned down trying to steal second. In the third, a pair of Batavia batters reached base to start the inning on a base hit and a fielder's choice. J.J. Gould then belted a home run over the left-field wall.

Aiken threw 64 pitches, 37 for strikes.

“Coming back from the surgery is a long process, but over the past four or five months I feel like I made a lot of progress not just with the rehab but with the mental aspect of the game,” Aiken said.

Aiken noted that his return “has felt like a slow process,” but he believes it has also been a smooth one which remains on course.

“I don’t think there has been any setbacks or any issues,” Aiken said. “The thing is, it’s a long and slow process. You have to embrace that and keep working slow and working hard.

“I’m not too worried. I just have to keep working and work my hardest to get better each and every day.”

Aiken said that regaining the form with his change-up has been the most challenging aspect of his return.

“Coming back the toughest thing for most people is the change-up because it’s a feel pitch,” Aiken said. “When you take that much time off in baseball, it’s hard to get the feel back. Coming back, we’ve been working on that a lot. I see a big improvement in that regard.”

Aiken said he expects to stay with the Scrappers for the remainder of the season.

“I just want to continue to get my feet under me here, work my butt off in the offseason and then head into spring training ready to go,” Aiken said.

The Scrappers and Muckdogs conclude their three-game series tonight at 7:05.