Scrappers win home finale, avoid Spikes sweep

Staff report

Niles

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers won their final home game of the season, a 3-0 victory against the State College Spikes.

In the short term, the Scrappers avoided getting swept in their last homestand of 2016. In the long term, they clinched the first .500 season at Eastwood Field since 2011.

All three runs came in the second inning. Gavin Collins came home off a fielder’s choice and Emmanuel Tapia would follow after a Spikes’ throwing error. Gabriel Mejia drove home Alexis Pantoja with an infield single.

Aaron Civale started and took a no decision in three innings of work. He allowed one hit while walking one and striking out two. Ryan Colegate got the win in relief with four scoreless innings. Colegate allowed three hits and struck out two.

The Scrappers travel to West Virginia for two games to close out the season.