Scrappers edge ValleyCats, 4-3

NILES, OH - The ValleyCats threatened another come from behind victory, but this time fell a bit short, as they were defeated by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Tuesday night by a final score of 4-3.

Down 4-1 in the ninth with two outs, Taylor Jones doubled and Jake Rogers homered to cut the lead to 4-3, but Henry Martinez struck out Brauly Mejia to end the ball game.

In the third inning, Mahoning Valley put a four spot on the board off of 'Cats starter Sebastian Kessay with a single, two doubles, and a two run homer by designated hitter Jodd Carter.

Kessay (1-1), making his seventh start of the season, allowed the four earned runs on eight hits in his 4 2/3 innings of work. He did strike out eight Scrappers, and leads the 'Cats with 32 strikeouts on the season, in 23 1/3 innings pitched.

Following Kessay on the mound for the 'Cats was Erasmo Pinales, who shined in his fifth appearance of the season. Pinales was perfect during his 3 1/3 innings pitched, with three strikeouts.

However, it was the Scrappers pitching that was the story in this ballgame, as the 'Cats could only push one run across on six hits prior to their two run ninth.

Cleveland Indians third round selection in this year's MLB draft, Aaron Civale, started for Mahoning Valley, throwing three innings, allowing no runs on four hits.

Taylor Jones went 3-for-4 for the 'Cats with a double, and Stephen Wrenn, who sits at the top of multiple offensive league categories, also hit a double in his 1-for-3 day at the plate with a walk and one run scored.

The ValleyCats and Scrappers face off in the rubber match on Wednesday night, as the 'Cats will look to win their second consecutive series. Tri-City then heads back to Troy to open a six game homestead at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium beginning on Thursday.