Scrappers hang on for victory

Staff report

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.

Juan Hillman continued his brilliant start to the season in Sunday’s rare victory of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

Hillman earned his second win after tossing 5 2/3 shutout innings in a 6-4 victory.

After the game, the Scrappers (6-17) returned to Ohio for tonight’s game against TriCity at Eastwood Field. Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley will make a rehab appearance. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game are available by calling the Scrappers Front Office at 330-505-0000, or by visiting the Mr. Rooter Box Office at Eastwood Field or online at www.mvscrappers.com.

Brantley had shoulder surgery prior to the beginning of the regular season for the Indians. His last complete game was on May 9 against the Houston Astros.

The Scrappers scored five times in the first inning in the series finale.

Gabriel Mejia and Silento Sayles started the game with back-to-back singles. With one out, Erlin Cerda’s RBI single scored Mejia.

With two outs, Nate Winfrey hit a two-run single to score Sayles and Cerda.

Following a Gavin Collins single, a Yankees error allowed Winfrey to score. Alexis Pantoja capped off the inning with an RBI single to drive in Collins.

Hillman faced one batter over the minimum for the first three innings. In the fourth inning, Hillman stranded two runners to preserve the 5-0 lead. Hillman (2-0) walked one and struck out four.

In the eighth inning, the Scrappers added an insurance run when Gian Paul Gonzalez scored on Sayles’ two-out single.

The Yankees scored once in the eighth inning and three times in the ninth frame.