Scrappers blow out Muckdogs in Espino’s debut
Staff report
Niles
Daniel Espino got plenty of run support in his professional debut. The Mahoning Valley Scrappers scored nine runs in the first two innings to cruise to a 11-2 win over the Batavia Muckdogs on Saturday at Eastwood Field.
Espino, the Cleveland Indians’ top pick in the 2019 draft, allowed two runs on three hits and a walk. He struck out three in his first game with the Scrappers.
Michael Cooper went 2 for 5 with three RBIs for Mahoning Valley (29-31). Cooper has gone 4 for 10 with six RBIs in the last two games.
Johnathan Rodriguez, Bryan Lavastida and Brayan Rocchio drove in two runs each.
J.D. Orr had an RBI single for the Muckdogs (34-27) and Troy Johnston added an RBI groundout in the third inning.
Eli Villalobos (0-3) allowed nine runs on eight hits and three walks in two innings.
Eric Mock (1-0) allowed one hit and walked two in three scoreless innings of relief.
The Scrappers and Muckdogs will play two seven-inning games today. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.