Scrappers split doubleheader with Ironbirds

Staff report

Aberdeen, Md.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers split a pair of seven-inning games with the Aberdeen Ironbirds in Saturday’s doubleheader.

Mahoning Valley won Game 1, 3-0, but lost Game 2, 4-2.

The Scrappers (25-14) won Game 1, a make-up game after Friday’s rainout, with timely hitting and solid pitching.

Jason Rodriguez and Michael Tinsley reached on back-to-back walks and advanced on a wild pitch in the top of the second. Later in the inning, Ronny Dominguez hit a two-run single up the middle to give the Scrappers the lead.

Rodriguez drove in the Scrappers’ insurance run in the sixth on an RBI single to left field, scoring Gianpaul Gonzalez.

Randy Valladares earned his third win of the season with two perfect innings of relief. Manuel Alvarez got is third save with a perfect ninth inning.

Scrappers starter Cameron Mingo allowed three hits and three walks in four innings of work. He struck out two in his first scoreless outing since June 12 as a member of the Lake County Captains.

Aberdeen’s bullpen stepped up in Game 2. The Ironbirds used three relievers in the final three innings. The combination of J.J. Montgomery, Tyler Joyner and Ryan Conroy allowed four hits and no runs while striking out three.

Conroy earned his second save of the season. He allowed two hits and struck out one in the seventh.

Ironbirds starter Gray Fenter allowed two runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out four in four innings.

Scrappers starter Luis Valdez only lasted two innings — allowing four runs on five hits while striking out two.

The Ironbirds (16-23) scored a pair in the second and third innings.

Tyler Freeman drove in Tre Gantt with an RBI single to left field in the top of the third to cut the lead to 2-1.

Clark Scolamiero hit his first home run of the season, an opposite field shot over the left field wall.

Luis Araujo relieved Valdez in the third. He pitched three scoreless innings — allowing two hits and two walks.

The rubber match between the two teams is at 5:05 p.m. today.