Scrappers Walk-Off To Stay Undefeated 

Niles, OH - After having a day off and a 25-minute rain delay, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers would pull off the most impressive win of their young season on a cold and wet night winning in walk-off fashion. In an electric finish Chase Valentine capped off a 7-run comeback by roping a bases loaded double just past the glove of diving third baseman Alex Ulloa, clearing the bases and driving in Aidan Stewart for the winning run. The win brings their record to a smoldering hot (5-0). After going down 8-1 early, they were able to bring it all the way back and win 10-9. The comeback resulted in the longest game of the year lasting 3 hours and 44 minutes.

Starting pitcher Ben Belgrave would deal with command issues early, walking four while giving up three hits in two innings. The Scrappers dug a hole early trailing for the first time all season after a solo homer by Keys catcher Rene Lastres in the top of the 1st.

In the top of the 2nd inning things wouldn’t get much better, due to the Keys tacking on three runs. Third baseman Alex Ulloa hit a double into right center to drive in the Keys second run of the game. First baseman Nick Hernandez would add to the total by driving in two and clearing the bases with a single up the middle.

The Scrappers would get one back in the bottom of the 2nd after loading the bases with one out. A run would score after an infield single by second baseman Ethan Kavanaugh.

Throughout the 3rd, 4th, and 5th the Keys would double their run total. They added two in the third, one in the fourth off an Anthony Heron Jr. blast to left field and one in the 5th after a triple to deep left center by Ulloa.

Starting in the bottom of the 5th the Scrappers would show life loading the bases with no outs. Shortstop Jalen Jones would score after Keys pitcher Sebastian J. Perez Flores balked. With runners on second and third, third baseman Jarrod Belbin rocketed a 2-run double into the right field corner, bringing the Scrappers within four runs.

The Scrappers would strike again in the bottom of the 6th after designated hitter Dan Howard dropped a single into left field to score left fielder Mathieu Vallee who led off the inning with a single.

In the bottom of the 7th the Scrappers would inch closer after pinch hitter Bobby Sparling would score off an errand throw and center field error after stealing second base.

Frederick would score an insurance run in the top of the 8th extending their lead to three but that wouldn’t be enough as the Scrappers would stun the Keys with a four-run 9th capped off by Valentine’s double.

During the postgame Valentine was named Baird Brothers player of the game.

As a team, the Scrapper's offense didn’t miss a beat. Seeing the ball well they had a total of 14 hits. The same can’t be said for the pitching staff who struggled as a whole giving up season highs in earned runs, walks, and hits all at nine a piece, despite their early struggles the staff was able to hold the Keys to only one run after the fifth inning.

The Scrappers will return to Eastwood Field tomorrow, May 30th at 4:05 p.m. to wrap up their two-game series against Frederick Keys. Tomorrow will be Every Sunday Matters, fans can donate canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank, or a new children’s book, in exchange for a general admission ticket. Sunday is also the first night in the Scrappers “Rolling Thru the Decades” series starting with 60’s night. Fans can purchase HERE.

-Jordan Boitnott