Late Runs Too Much As Scrappers Fall To Black Bears

(Granville, WV)-The Mahoning Valley Scrappers fell behind early before two solo homeruns would give them a short lived lead on Saturday night in West Virginia. The West Virginia Black Bears rallied for five runs over the final three innings to earn a series split by a final of 6-3.
The Black Bears struck first in the bottom of the third inning. Elys Escobar would double to start the inning. After moving to third on a flout, he would come in to score on a wild pitch for the 1-0 lead.
West Virginia's lead would last for all of five minutes. On the first pitch of the fourth inning, George Valera homered to right to tie the game. Three batters and two outs later, Bryan Lavastida would then blast a go ahead homerun into the bullpen in left to push the Scrappers out to a 2-1 lead.
The Black Bears would tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs, Juan Pie singled to right to score Jonah Davis who led off the inning with a walk.
West Virginia would then pull away with four runs over the next two innings to push their lead out to the final of 6-3.
Liam Jenkins started and took a no decision in 3.2 innings of work. He allowed an earned run on 3 hits. Jenkins walked 3 and struck out 3. Francis Cespedes followed with 2.0 innings of relief. Cespedes allowed an earned run on 2 hits. He walked 1 and struck out 5. Luis Valdez (0-1) took the loss in 1.1 innings of work. Valdez allowed 2 earned runs on 2 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 1.

The Scrappers (1-1) now return to Eastwood Field for the home opener on Sunday evening against the Batavia Muckdogs. Matt Turner gets the start with first pitch set for 6:35. Get your tickets now at mvscrappers.com or by calling 330-505-0000 or visiting the Chevy All-Stars box office at Eastwood Field.