Scrappers can’t keep lead against ’Cutters

Staff report

WILLIAMSPORT, PA.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers lost a one-run lead in the ninth inning Thursday night and lost the game in the 10th to the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Williamsport’s Arquimedes Gamboa sent the game to extra innings with a sacrifice fly.

After Scrappers reliever Henry Martinez (0-1) got two groundouts in the 10th, Jose Antequera grounded to third baseman Jonathan Laureno, who threw the ball away as Antequera went all the way to third base.

Williamsport (3-4) won it moments later when Jesus Alastre singled to center field on an 0-1 pitch.

The Scrappers snapped a 31-inning scoreless streak in the top of the eighth when Gabriel Mejia reached on an error and scored on Alexis Pantoja’s single.

MV starter Triston McKenzie worked 42/3 innings, allowing four hits and striking out five. Michael Letkewicz and Argenis Angulo worked in relief, combining for 31/3 scoreless innings.

The Scrappers’ Juan Hillman (1-0) will start tonight against the Crosscutters.

The Scrappers (1-6) return home Saturday. First pitch against Batavia is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.