Scrappers power past Muckdogs

Staff report

Batavia, N.Y.

Johnathan Rodriguez helped the Mahoning Valley Scrappers get a little payback against the Batavia Muckdogs on Monday.

Rodriguez drove in three runs in the Scrappers’ 5-0 win. The Scrappers lost to the Muckdogs 5-0 in the series opener on Sunday.

Rodriguez hit his fourth home run of the season in the top of the second inning. His solo shot gave the Scrappers (26-30) a 1-0 lead.

Easton Lucas walked Julian Escobedo and Ray Delgado singled to start the ninth. Edison Suriel relieved Lucas.

However, Bryan Lavastida’s RBI double, Rodriguez’s two-run double and Joab Gonzalez’s RBI single increased the lead to 5-0.

Brian Eichhorn (3-2) pitched six innings of four-hit ball, striking out eight.

Eric Mock allowed two hit in three scoreless innings of relief. Mock struck out two for his first professional save.

Edgar Martinez (2-3) allowed Rodriguez’s solo home run.

Martinez gave up five hits and struck out one in six innings pitched for Batavia (33-24).

Espino starts with Scrappers

Daniel Espino will start for the Scrappers on Saturday in Niles.

The Scrappers will open a three-game series against Batavia.

The Cleveland Indians took the righty from Georgia Premier Academy the first round of the 2019 draft. In six starts in Arizona, Espino is 0-1 with a 1.98 ERA in 132/3 innings.

Up Next

The Scrappers and the Muckdogs will play the final game of their series today.

Gregori Vasquez is scheduled to make his fifth start for Mahoning Valley.

He pitched five scoreless innings against the Auburn Doubledays on Thursday.

First pitch is 7:05 p.m.