Tapia, Santander Help Power Mahoning Valley Past West Virginia

Morgantown, W.VA - The Scrappers spoiled the inaugural game for the NYPL newly-added Black Bears. 

Mahoning Valley took an early lead on Friday night at Monongalia County Ballpark. The Scrappers led 11-1 after the top of the fifth inning. This was all due to dominant pitching from starter Casey Shane, and strong offense from the middle of the Mahoning Valley lineup. 

In the top of the third, Anthony Santander and Emmanuel Tapia hit back-to-back home runs. Then with Li-Jen Chu and Gerald Bautista reaching, Silento Sayles singled to right, scoring both Chu and Bautista. 

Santander finished a triple shy of the cycle. In the top of the fifth, he hit a three-run double to open up the scoring. 

Shane struckout four in his four innings. He only walked one, but Mahoning Valley pitching allowed 10 walks in the game. James Stokes and Peng-Hsueh Chen combined to allow nine walks in the last three innings.

The Black Bears started Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Tyler Glasnow. He lasted 1.1 IP, giving up two earned runs. He earned the loss. He has spent the majority of the season at Double-A Altoona. 

Mahoning Valley plays the second game of the three-game set on Saturday at 7:05. Right-hander Leandro Linares is scheduled to get the start for the Scrappers. It will be his first career start for Mahoning Valley.