Scrappers Score Late to Top Crosscutters

Niles, OH- With two of the top three offenses in the New York-Penn League meeting at Eastwood Field on Thursday night, everyone in attendance expected an offensive showcase. Instead the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Williamsport Crosscutters stayed scoreless until the bottom of the eighth inning when the Scrappers struck for two runs on their way to a 2-1 win.  
            Both starting pitchers, Zach Plesac for the Scrappers and Kyle Young for the Crosscutters, combined to throw 8.1 innings of scoreless baseball. Plesac lasted 3.1 innings because of a pitch count, while Young spun five shutout innings.   
            Both team's bullpens would then take over and keep the game scoreless the bottom of the eighth inning.   
            Gianpaul Gonzalez started the bottom of the inning by drawing a walk. He would then give way for pinch runner Tyler Friis. Clark Scolamiero followed Gonzalez and was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second. With Ernie Clement trying to sacrifice both runners up a base, Williamsport reliever Damon Jones, sailed a wild pitch to the screen allowing both runners to move up a base. Clement, not having to bunt anymore, then singled to left to score Friis for the first run of the game. Jesse Berardi then followed with an RBI single of his own to drive in Scolamiero for the 2-0 lead.   
            Williamsport would pull to within a run in the top of the ninth inning on a solo homerun from Austin Listi. But Jonathan Teaney would then retire the next three batters in a row to end the game.  
            Plesac took a no decision in 3.1 innings of work. He allowed just one hit. Plesac walked three and struck out four. Randy Valladares would then go 0.2 of an inning in relief. Valladares walked one. Eli Morgan would follow with three innings of scoreless work. Morgan allowed just two hits. He walked one and struck out five. Teaney (2-0) picked up the win in two innings of work. He allowed one earned run on one hit. He did not walk a batter and struck out one.   
  With the win the Scrappers increase their lead in the Wild Card standings to two full games over Williamsport.
  The Scrappers and Crosscutters continue their series on Friday night at 7:05. Francisco Perez will get the start for the Scrappers. It will be Star Wars night with the Scrappers wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off for charity during the game. Call the Scrappers box office at 330-505-0000 to get your tickets or get them online at www.mvscrappers.com.