Mahala's Walk-Off Single Extends Win Streak

GRANVILLE, W.Va. - Black Bears' 2B Kevin Mahala hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to push West Virginia past Mahoning Valley, 4-3 on Sunday night from Monongalia County Ballpark. The victory secures West Virginia's sixth win in a row.

West Virginia took an early lead in the bottom of the second inning. 1B Albert Baur began the frame getting hit by a pitch. Then, a single from C Chris Harvey and a bunt single from Mahala loaded the bases. With one out, three runs would come in to score on CF Sandy Santos' single to left field, putting the Black Bears ahead, 3-0.

Just one inning later, Mahoning Valley would respond as C Jack Goihl hit a solo home run over the left field wall to make the score, 3-1. In the fifth, the Scrappers would tie the ballgame, 3-3, on Goihl's RBI double and an RBI single off the bat of CF Todd Isaacs.

The Black Bears would break the tie in the ninth as Harvey led off the frame with a single before coming across to score on Mahala's walk-off, RBI single to left field. West Virginia received a quality outing from starter RHP Stephan Meyer, who received a no-decision, allowing three earned runs on six hits over seven innings while striking out four hitters. In the eighth, RHP Evan Piechota relieved Meyer and improved to 2-0 as a Black Bear, tossing two scoreless innings.

Mahala paced the attack going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored as West Virginia outhit Mahoning Valley, 9-8. For the Scrappers, RF Mitch Longo and Goihl had two hits each as reliever LHP Alsis Herrera took the loss allowing an earned run on four hits through 2.1 innings.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Black Bears (38-37) will play their final game of the 2016 season at 1:05 p.m. against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (36-38) from Monongalia County Ballpark on Cinco De September. Come to the ballpark to enjoy an afternoon of fun and Latin flair. Fans can listen to Kyle Wiggs who has the call on www.westvirginiablackbears.com, the TuneIn Radio app and on the MetroNews Radio Network. For tickets, visit www.westvirginiablackbears.com or call 304-293-7910.

Meyer Masterful

After hurling seven innings and allowing just three earned runs in tonight's 4-3, walk-off win against Mahoning Valley, Black Bears' starter RHP Stephan Meyer has thrown his third consecutive quality outing (allowing three earned runs or less over at least six innings pitched).