Valera sends Mahoning Valley to victory

Staff report

State college, Pa.

Mahoning Valley Scrappers outfielder George Valera missed over two weeks with a leg injury. His first hit since his return led the Scrappers to a 10-3 win over the State College Spikes on Friday to take the series.

Valera hit a two-run triple, his first triple of the season, in the top of the third inning to give the Scrappers (28-31) a 2-1 lead. Valera finished 2 for 3 with two RBIs.

Korey Holland stole third in the seventh and scored on a throwing error by Spikes catcher Matt Duce. A balk by Jack Ralston forced home Bryan Lavastida in the eighth and the Scrappers added six more in the ninth.

Carlos Vargas (4-4) pitched five innings of two-hit ball in his first win since July 24. He allowed a run with three walks and struck out eight.

Michael YaSenka (1-1) allowed two runs on one hit and three walks. He struck out two in two innings for the Spikes (30-30).

Today, the Scrappers return home for a three-game series with the Batavia Muckdogs. Pitcher Daniel Espino, the Cleveland Indians’ first-round pick this year, will make his debut.

First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.