JAMESTOWN, NY--The Jamestown Jammers kicked off the 2012 New York-Penn League season with a bang, unfortunately it wasn't the result they were looking for. The Jammers were defeated by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers 8-5 in a game that was decided by the long ball.

Scrappers right fielder Juan Romero who was batting eighth in the lineup was the spark plug the Scrappers needed. Romero tallied four RBI's on the night, first with a three-run homerun off of Jammers reliever Beau Wright in the sixth inning, and then a solo shot off of converted pitcher now Jammers reliever Miguel Fermin.

Jammers left fielder Kentrell Dewitt went 2-for-3 with two hits, two RBI's, and a walk. In addition to giving up homeruns, the Jammers defense plagued the team early and often. Three errors were committed by the Jammers, one in the outfield, two in the infield, and a pass ball by catcher Jose Behar.

Neither team's starter had their best stuff, each managed to go three innings and each surrendered three runs. Helpi Reyes looked wild early on, issuing a walk early on. Reyes settled down after the second inning, but the damage was already done.

Mahoning Valley's starter wasn't particularly on point either, Geoffrey Davenport also surrendered three runs, four hits spread over 3 2/3 innings. The biggest surprise of the night was that the Cleveland Indians number one draft pick Tyler Naquin wasn't in the lineup for the Scrappers. Naquin was suited up and in uniform, he was listed as a bench player.

Join the Jammers tomorrow night at Diethrick Park for South Western Area Sports Night featuring CSEA Magnet Schedule Giveaway.