Hot Scrappers pound Spikes
Staff report
Niles
The Scrappers continued their hottest start in years with Saturday’s 9-2 win over State College.
Samad Taylor, Will Benson and Clark Scolamiero all drove in two runs as the Scrappers (4-2) rallied from an early deficit to pick up their third straight win.
The Spikes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning. With one out, Tyler Lancaster doubled. Edwin Figuera hit the next pitch over the Spikes’ bullpen in left field.
The Scrappers responded with nine straight runs. In the third inning with one out and one on, Taylor doubled to make it 2-1. Oscar Gonzalez doubled to tie the game.
With two outs, Nolan Jones singled to score Gonzalez for the lead. Benson’s RBI single made it 4-2.
In the fifth inning, the Scrappers sent 10 men to the plate and scored five runs.
Benson added another RBI single and Elvis Perez contributed an RBI sacrifice fly. Scolamiero’s first professional hit drove in two runs.
Francisco Perez (1-0) picked up his first win, going six innings. Perez allowed two earned runs on three hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out four.
Cesar Ventura picked up his first save by working the final three innings. He did not allow a hit or a run. Ventura walked one and struck out five.
The Scrappers and Spikes continue their series this afternoon at 4:05 p.m. Grant Hockin will start for Mahoning Valley.