Batavia bests Scrappers late

Staff report

Batavia, N.Y.

A three-run bottom of the eighth inning propelled the Batavia Muckdogs past the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Monday afternoon. The Scrappers lost the three-game series, falling 4-1.

Troy Johnston hit a go-ahead, two-run double to right field, giving the Muckdogs (23-14) a 3-1 lead. Andrew Turner followed with an RBI double of his own.

Both runs were scored with two outs off Andrew Misiaszek, who made his Scrappers debut after his call-up from Arizona on Sunday.

The Scrappers’ 19th-round pick in the 2019 draft allowed three runs on four hits. He struck out three in 11/3 innings.

Nic Ready hit his second home run of the season over the left-field fence to give the Muckdogs a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh.

Bryan Lavastida tied the game for the Scrappers (18-19) in the top of the eighth with a two-out single to center field. Johnathan Rodriguez scored on the play.

Evan Brabrand (2-0) allowed one hit and struck out one in 11/3 innings of relief.

Scrappers starter Ethan Hankins lowered his ERA to 0.88 after another scoreless start. Hankins pitched five innings, allowing three hits and a walk with six strikeouts.

Hankins has not allowed a run in five of his seven starts this season and seven of his nine starts in his career.

Easton Lucas gave up one hit and struck out four in three scoreless innings for Batavia.

The Scrappers return to Eastwood Field tonight to start a three-game series with the State College Spikes. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.