Big 7th inning key for Scrappers
Staff report
STATE COLLEGE
The Scrappers won at State College, 7-4, on Thursday for their third victory in a row.
Mahoning Valley (9-18) — which has won four of its last five contests — scored five runs in the seventh inning to key the victory. The Spikes fell to 18-9.
Silento Sayles went 2 for 4 with a double, triple and an RBI to lead the offense, while Yonathan Mendoza tripled, walked twice and drove in three runs of his own.
Mendoza delivered the big hit in the seventh inning, as his triple with two outs unloaded the bases, scored three and gave the Scrappers a 6-0 lead.
Gabriel Mejia also notched a hit and scored twice.
Michael Letkewicz earned the victory on the mound for the Scrappers, allowing one run on two hits in three relief innings.
Triston McKenzie started for Mahoning Valley and didn’t allow a run in four innings despite surrendering five hits and walking five. He lowered his ERA on the season to 0.28.
John Kilichowski took the loss for State College, although he allowed just one earned run on four hits in five innings.
The Spikes tried to mount a comeback in the ninth inning, scoring two runs in the frame, although they still fell short.
Ricardo Bautista went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and Jeremy Martinez and Eller Rodriguez each notched two hits as well.