Scrappers clinch another division title

Staff report

granville, W.va.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have gone back-to-back in the New York-Penn League’s Pinckney Division.

The Scrappers clinched a second consecutive division title with a 7-1 victory over the West Virginia Black Bears on Sunday and the Auburn Doubledays’ 5-4 loss to the Batavia Muckdogs.

The Scrappers will open the NY-PL playoffs at Eastwood Field in Niles either Wednesday or Thursday, depending upon the outcome of today’s regular-season finales in the league.

Jose Fermin went 3 for 4, scored a run and drove in another to pace Mahoning Valley’s 12-hit attack.

Tyler Freeman singled twice and drove in a run for the Scrappers (41-33). His second hit gave him the club record for total bases in a season. He had been tied with former Scrappers Ryan Church and Chris Gimenez.

Ruben Cardenas doubled and scored and drove in two runs in the victory. Jonathan Engelmann tripled and drove in a run, and Billy Wilson had a hit and an RBI.

Connor Smith also singled twice for Mahoning Valley.

The victory went to reliever Eli Lingos (1-0), who came on in the fourth after starter Yeffersson Yannuzzi pitched three scoreless innings.

Lingos scattered three hits and gave up the lone West Virginia run, but struck out five without walking a batter.

Luis Santos andManuel Alvarez each worked a scoreless inning.

Miguel Hernandez (2-1) took the loss for the Black Bears (32-43).

Ben Bengston drove in the only West Virginia run.

The teams will meet once more at 1:05 p.m. today at Monongalia County Ballpark.