Scrappers blow huge lead

Staff report

BATAVIA, N.Y.

A five-run, first-inning lead wasn’t enough for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Thursday.

The Batavia Muckdogs (20-25) rallied for an 8-7 victory, scoring twice in the seventh and eighth innings.

The Scrappers (28-16) scored twice in the ninth inning.

Cameron Mingo tossed five innings, allowing five hits and four runs. He struck out six and walked three.

Jordan Scheftz (1-1) was charged with a blown save and the loss after allowing two runs in the one-and-a-third innings he pitched.

Mitch Reeves led the Scrappers’ offense with two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored.

The Scrappers pounced on Muckdogs starter Chris Vallimont, scoring five eearned runs on four hits.

In the first inning, Tyler Freeman’s one-out double ignited the five-run outburst.

Reeves and Hosea Nelson also doubled and Clark Scolamiero walked. A wild pitch allowed Nelson to score. Henry Pujols smashed a two-run homer.

The Muckdogs climbed back into the game by scoring twice in the first inning. They added two more in the third inning to slice the Scrappers’ lead to 5-4.

The Muckdogs took the lead on Jejar Encarnacion’s two-run single in the seventh inning off Scheftz.

Manuel Rodriguez earned the win by tossing four scoreless innings of relief. Tyler Mitzel earned the save even though he allowed two runs in the ninth inning when Reeves connected for a two-run homer.

The Scrappers play the Muckdogs again tonight.

The Scrappers return home on Sunday to open a three-game series with the State College Spikes.