Vargas, Lavastida lift Scrappers to win

Staff report

NILES

Carlos Vargas’ stellar pitching performance helped the Mahoning Valley Scrappers move above .500 with Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over State College at Eastwood Field.

Vargas (3-2) scattered three hits in six innings on the mound. He allowed the Spikes’ run, struck out six batters and walked two.

Serafino Brito earned his first hold of the season by tossing two shutout innings, allowing one hit.

Nick Mikolajchak earned his first save by striking out the side in the ninth inning.

Designated hitter Bryan Lavastida drove in both Scrappers (20-19) runs with a two-run hit in the third inning. Scoring were Jonathan Lopez and Billy Wilson who both had hits.

Henry Pujols and Yainer Diaz also had hits.

In the sixth inning, Moises Castillo drove in David Vinsky for the Spikes’ run.

Brylie Ware had two of the Spikes’ four hits. Vinsky and Shane Benes had the others.

EnManuel Solano took the loss for the Spikes (19-20). He allowed five hits in the six-and-a-third innings he pitched, striking out six and walking one.

The Scrappers will look for a three-game sweep tonight when their series with Spikes concludes.