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NYPL Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers Overpowered by Crosscutters on Sunday

July 8, 2018 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Mahoning Valley Scrappers News Release


NILES, O.H. - When Mahoning Valley Scrappers starter Luis Oviedo starts, some good news usually follows at the conclusion of the game. That was not the case on Sunday, as the two-time defending New York-Penn League Pitcher of the Week earned a no-decision in a 8-4 Williamsport Crosscutters victory.

The Scrappers jumped out to a lead in the bottom of the first inning. Oviedo worked a perfect top of the first, and his offense gave him support right away. Leadoff hitter Jose Fermin doubled down the left field line on the second pitch he saw. Tyler Freeman moved him to third on a flyout to right field. Richie Palacios then drove Fermin in with an RBI single. With the single, Palacios extended his hitting streak to nine games, dating back to June 25.

Oviedo worked through two on, two out jams in the second and fourth innings, preventing any runs from scoring. Williamsport broke through in the fifth inning and tied the game off of Oviedo. Seth Lancaster singled to begin the frame. Two batters later, he advanced to third as a pickoff attempt from Oviedo skated past first baseman Mitch Reeves. After Rafael Marchan grounded out, Ben Aklinski brought in Lancaster with a two-out RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.

Luis Valdez replaced Oviedo to begin the top of the sixth. Oviedo allowed an unearned run on five hits. He walked two and struck out six batters, extending his league-leading mark to 40 strikeouts in five starts this season.

Williamsport powered through Valdez in the seventh inning, opening the flood gates en route to their 8-4 win. Ben Aklinski launched his first professional home run, a three-run shot, over the left field fence to give the Crosscutters a 4-2 lead.

Luis Araujo replaced Valdez in the eighth, but Williamsport didn't seem to notice the change. Two additional runs were padded on as Araujo allowed a double and then a pair of one-out walks to load the bases. Marchan brought in Matt Kroon with an RBI single and Aklinski brought in Lancaster with an RBI groundout to give Williamsport a 6-2 lead.

Luis Santos replaced Araujo after that, but Williamsport continued to score. Alec Bohm took Santos' first pitch to center field to score Keudy Bocio and Marchan, giving the Crosscutters an 8-2 lead. Williamsport scored four runs on three hits in the eighth.

The Scrappers had fight left in them in the bottom of the eighth, but the two runs they scored on a Mitch Reeves single were not enough to overcome the three-run seventh and the four-run eighth that Williamsport put together.

The Scrappers (15-7) and Crosscutters (9-13) conclude its series with a rubber match on Monday. Mahoning Valley's RHP Cameron Mingo (1-2, 5.12 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Williamsport's RHP Gustavo Armas (1-2, 3.63). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Every Monday Matters at Eastwood Field. Fans who donate nonperishable food items, gently used clothing or children's books will receive a free general admission ticket to the game, sponsored by Pizza Joe's and 106.1 The Bull. For tickets, call or the Chevy All Stars Box Office at 330-505-0000.

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New York-Penn League Stories from July 8, 2018


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