Pujols, Palacios power Scrappers past Auburn

Staff report

AUBURN, N.Y.

Henry Pujols homered and Richie Palacios extended his hitting streak to 16 games as the Mahoning Valley Scrappers opened a six-game road trip with a 5-3 victory over the Auburn Doubledays on Tuesday night.

The Scrappers (18-11) spotted the Doubledays (15-14) a 2-0 first-inning lead, but tied the game in the third on a solo homer by Pujols and an RBI double by Jose Fermin.

Mahoning Valley took the lead for good in the sixth. Palacios singled, took second on a wild pitch and scored on Hosea Nelson’s single.

Palacios added a run-scoring double in the eighth and Clark Scolamiero drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Fermin, Palacios and Nelson each had two hits. Jacob Rhinesmith had two hits and two RBIs for Auburn.

Alex Royalty started and took a no-decision in three innings. He allowed two unearned runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out three.

Adam Scott (1-0) picked up the win with three scoreless innings of relief. He allowed two hits and struck out 3. Manuel Alvarez earned his first save despite allowing two hits and an unearned run.

Francys Peguero (2-2) took the loss for Auburn.

The Scrappers and Doubledays continue their series at 6:30 tonight. Left-hander Zach Draper is scheduled to start for Mahoning Valley.