Scrappers top Auburn to end eight-game skid

Staff Report

Auburn, N.Y.

Simeon Lucas tied a season high with three RBIs in the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ 8-2 win on Monday over the Auburn Doubledays.

The win snapped the Scrappers’ eight-game losing streak.

Lucas helped put the game out of reach with a two-run double in the seventh and an RBI single in the ninth. Lucas finished 4 for 5. It was his first four-hit performance since Aug. 3, 2017 at Auburn.

After Mitch Reeves drove in a run, Hosea Nelson hit a two-run homer — his eighth of the of the season — in the bottom of the first to give the Scrappers a 3-0 lead.

Jason Rodriguez also had an RBI for the Scrappers (33-28).

The Doubledays (35-27) cut the lead to 7-2 in the seventh on RBI singles by Carson Shaddy and Jamori Blash.

Scrappers starter Zack Draper allowed two runs on three hits in a career-high 6 2/3 innings. Drapper struck out nine to tie a career high he set on Aug. 9 against Williamsport.

Luis Araujo pitched 2 1/3 innings to close out the game. Araujo allowed two hits and struck out two.

Auburn starter Ryan Tapani and reliever Alfonso Hernandez each allowed three runs. Tapani allowed five hits and two walks while striking out one in two innings.

The Scrappers and the Doubledays will play the second game of their series today. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.