Laureno’s double lifts Scrappers in 10th

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NILES

Jonathan Laureno’s walk-off RBI double in the 10th inning scored Oscar Gonzalez to give the Mahoning Valley Scrappers a 5-4 victory over Auburn on Thursday at Eastwood Field.

The Scrappers (2-2) led 4-3 going to the ninth inning, but the Doubledays rallied for a run to tie the game and force an extra inning.

The game had three lead changes in the first eight innings.

Auburn jumped out to the early lead with two quick runs in the top of the first inning. The Doubledays’ first four batters reached base and Paul Panaccione and Randy Encarnacion both drove in a run.

The Scrappers answered right back in the bottom of the inning. Samad Taylor started the inning with an infield single and later scored on a wild pitch. With two outs, Will Benson delivered an RBI single to center to score Nolan Jones.

The game remained tied until the eighth inning. With two outs, Oliver Ortiz hit his league-leading third homer to push the Doubledays back in front, 3-2.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Scrappers regained the lead. With one out, Jones singled to drive in Taylor to tie the game. Ulysses Cantu then recorded an RBI when he hit a fielder’s choice.

Auburn tied the game in the top of the ninth inning when pinch runner Israel Mota scored on a wild pitch.

Gonzalez started the bottom of the 10th inning with a walk. Two pitches later, Laureano lined a double into the left-field corner. As the ball kicked off the sidewall and away from Luis Perdomo, Gonzalez scored.

Gregori Vasquez earned a no decision in five innings of work. He allowed two earned runs on six hits. Vasquez did not walk a batter while striking out three.

Luis Araujo followed with two innings of relief. Araujo did not allow a hit while striking out five.