SCRAPPERS RETURN HOME FOR SPECIAL HOMESTAND

NILES, OH-

Tuesday, August 16  vs. State College Spikes @ 7:05pm

It’s TOPPS TUESDAY! The first 1,000 fans through the gates every Tuesday home game receive a Topps card pack. It’s also Senior Discount Tuesday presented by Shepherd of the Valley. All our fans 55 or older will receive $5 Upper Box seat tickets. It’s $2 Pizza Joe’s Pizza Slice Night at the concessions stands throughout the game. It’s Football Spirit Night – get a free General Admission ticket if you wear a football jersey to the game (High School or Youth) OR fans wearing spirit gear of their favorite High School team.

 

Wednesday, August 17  vs. State College Spikes @ 7:05pm

It’s Military Appreciation Night. Get two free Upper Box seat tickets with a Military ID at the Chevy All-Stars Box Office at Eastwood Field, presented by Huntington and 33 WYTV. It’s Wine Down Wednesday with $4 wine specials presented by Webb Winery.

Thursday, August 18  vs. State College Spikes @ 7:05 pm

It’s BUCK Night presented by Quaker Steak & Lube. Fans can get $1 General Admission tickets, $1 hot dogs and $1 drinks all game long.

 

Tickets are on sale now at  www.mvscrappers.com, at the Chevy All Stars Box Office  or contact the front office at (330)-505-0000.

WEST BRANCH’S MARTIN TO JOIN TOMCATS

BELOIT, OH- West Branch standout baseball player, Garrison Martin has committed to extending his academic and athletic careers at Thiel College.

Congratulations to Garrison, his family and friends on this outstanding accomplishment.

 

SCRAPPERS BEAT STATE COLLEGE IN THREE GAME SERIES

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers we’re comeback kids in the 3 game series over the weekend, winning two games in the sudden death frame to snap the 9 game losing skid.

On Saturday night, the Scrappers trailed 5-2 heading into the ninth inning. Alex Crump and Oscar Ponce singled with 1 out to put guys aboard. With 2 outs in the ninth, Parker DePasquale singled into left scoring 1 runner and making it 5-3. The next batter, Abimael Gonzalez-Acosta doubled off the center field wall to tie the ballgame up at 5. In the sudden death frame, Chad Coles came in for a 1,2,3 inning to win the ballgame and snap the 9 game losing streak.

Here is what Abimael Gonzalez-Acosta had to say after his clutch hit in the ninth. Thanks to Alex Arauz for the translation.

Homer Bush Postgame Comments:

On Sunday afternoon in the rubber match, The Scrappers trailed 5-0 heading into the 7th inning. Dom Bucko hit a 3-run home run over the right field bullpen to make it a 5-3 game. In the next inning, DePasquale was clutch again, with an RBI single to make it a 1 run game. Ponce was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and then Jarficur Parker walked to earn a free RBI and tie the game at 5. The game went to the sudden death frame on back to back nights, and the Scrappers would shut down State College to win the series in the rubber match.

The Scrappers ended the 6 game home stand on a positive note, and will travel on the road for 6 games this upcoming week. The Scrappers take on the Williamsport Crosscutters from Tuesday to Thursday, until ending the road trip in Frederick over the weekend. The Scrappers return to Eastwood Field on Tuesday, August 16th to take on State College in a 3 game series.

SCRAPPERS DROP SERIES OPENER TO WEST VIRGINIA

NILES, OH- West Virginia put up 6 runs in the fourth inning to guide the Black Bears to a series opening victory. West Virginia brought the lumber in game one, putting up 15 hits in the ballgame, including 2 home runs in the victory.

During the 6 run fourth inning for West Virginia, Ryan Hernandez hit a solo shot to left to get the Black Bears started. All with 2 outs, the Black Bears had 4 hits and 5 consecutive runs to take a 6-0 lead. The Scrappers came back with a solo run in the bottom of the fourth inning, with an RBI single by Jarficur Parker.

Mahoning Valley scored 2 more runs in both the 5th and 6th inning’s to make it a 7-5 game after 6 innings of play. West Virginia blanked the Scrappers in the last 3 innings to take the series opening victory by a final of 7-5. The winning pitcher for West Virginia was the reigning MLB Draft League pitcher of the week, Jeremy Cook. He tossed 5 innings, while giving up just 4 hits and 7 strikeouts. The Black Bears and the Scrappers play again tonight at 7 P.M.

MAHONING VALLEY SCRAPES PAST FREDERICK

NILES, OH- The Scrappers won the series over the Frederick Keys on Tuesday night with a close 5-4 victory. The Scrappers trailed the majority of the game, but a late comeback sparked the win.

The Keys came out swinging in the first three innings, taking a three run lead on two home runs. Ben Fitzgerald sent a ball over the right field wall in the first inning to take a quick 2-0 lead. The next inning, Henriadam Brower hit a solo shot to left field to make it 3-0. The Scrappers would chip away in the third inning scoring two runs on an RBI single by Oscar Ponce. Mahoning Valley would then tie the ballgame up at three on a fielding error in the fourth inning.

Frederick came right back to take the lead in the top of the fifth with an RBI ground out by Alex Baeza. Once again, the Scrappers  tied the ballgame up for the second time with a bloop single by Alex Crump to tie it at four after five innings of play. Later on in the eight inning, Gabe Gonzalez would come up clutch with a single back up the middle to take the first Scrapper’s lead of the ballgame 5-4.

Youngstown State graduate, Chad Coles would seal the deal after coming out of the pen to slam the door in the last two innings. Coles retired all six batters he faced in order to preserve the 5-4 victory. Coles, who has been in and out of the starting rotation this summer, said he felt great coming out of the bullpen in the closing situation:

 

The Scrappers are now over .500 with the win, improving to 3-2. Mahoning Valley looks for the series sweep tonight as they host Frederick in the series finale. First pitch at Eastwood Field is slated for 7:05 P.M. Here is what Scrappers manager Homer Bush had to say after last nights thrilling victory:

SCRAPPERS HANG ON LATE TO WIN SERIES OPENER

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers start the second half of the MLB Draft League season with a series opening victory against State College. The Scrappers had a dominant pitching performance from starter Masen Palmier, picking up the win after tossing 6 shutout innings. Palmier pitched to weak contact, giving up only 3 hits and striking out 2 batters.

Here is what Palmier had to say about his pitching performance tonight:

The game was tied after 5 innings, until the Scrappers put together a 3 run inning to strike first. Adam Fogel knocked in 2 runners with a base hit, followed by another RBI single from Gabe Gonzalez. The Scrappers added another in the seventh inning with a Jeff Wehler RBI knock up the middle to make it 4-0.

Things got interesting in the ninth inning, as State College had 4 consecutive walks to open up the frame and get on the board. Scrappers reliever Jan Figueroa came in to pick up the save, and hold on to a 4-3 victory. The Scrappers were led by Adam Fogel at the plate, going 2-4 with the first 2 RBI’s of the ballgame.

Here is what Adam Fogel had to say after his big performance:

The Scrappers return to Eastwood Field tomorrow night against State College at 7:05 P.M. Join D.J. Yokley on the call starting at 6:55.

THE PROS AND CONS OF LETTING KIDS PLAY BASEBALL

Baseball ranks as one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans worldwide
watching their favourite teams and players in action every night during the season. There are
many different levels to baseball, from the game played by school kids to amateurs, college
baseball and Major League Baseball. The latter is the pinnacle of professional baseball, with
the best teams coming from the United States, and we see countless MLB bets placed every
week.
MLB isn’t the only pro competition worth a look. There are also the South Korean and
Japanese leagues where the sport is every bit as popular and well supported as it is in the
US. The schedule is so busy that you will find at least one game of note taking place
somewhere in the world every day. That could be primetime on television or in the early
hours of the morning if you are watching from overseas.

Burning questions
Why is baseball so popular, and should it be considered a worthwhile and safe pastime for
children and young adults? The sport is enjoyed by millions every year, and the benefits of
playing sports far out-weighs the negatives. But when we are talking about kids playing
contact sports, questions are always raging at the back of our minds.
Will it be fun and inclusive for all? What are the injury concerns, and how can you be sure
that the team selected will take care of your child? These may seem like silly concerns of an
over-protective parent, but as any guardian of a young child already knows, we must tread
carefully with young minds.

This article aims to assist as our team of content writers list some of the important pros and
cons of playing baseball. By the end of the page, you will have a better understanding of the
benefits of playing the sport at all levels, from school to professional, but also some of the
things you should be aware of.

Google Images Creative Commons Licences

 

Pros of playing baseball
Baseball is similar to many other popular sports in it is a great way to get and keep fit. Even
playing catch helps burn calories as well as being seen as a great bonding experience
between parents/guardians and their children. But improved physical fitness isn’t the only
positive to throwing a ball or swinging your bat.
There are many little league organizations and clubs available for kids, and that makes it a
perfect way to mix with new people and make new friends. Children forge friendships that
last many years and often extend outside of the sport. A common interest in baseball and a
shared competitiveness help bring together like-minded folk. When kids bond, it also paves
the way for their parents to build friendships.
Baseball isn’t the only team sport popular in the US, but it is one of the least expensive. Not
much equipment is required to join a team, with most clubs providing everything required to
practice and compete, including matchday uniforms, baseball bats, balls, gloves and
protective gear. Anything you need to purchase can often be picked up on the cheap, either
new or second-hand.
The final positive attached to kids playing baseball that we wanted to highlight was the
chance of gaining a college scholarship if the player is good enough. The earlier they get
into a team and the more they practice, the better they will become, and that scholarship will
start to become a reality.

Cons of playing baseball

We flag up a few things we think you should be wary of or, at least, keep in mind. Baseball
can lead to many injuries, especially as a player grows and the intensity of the sport
increases.
Then there is the time. Like any sport, it takes a lot of time and effort to bring your game to
the next level, and some parents believe that time is better spent studying at school. Getting
a happy medium is the goal, but that isn’t always possible, especially when kids become
wrapped up in their new favorite sport. It then falls on the parent to curb their enthusiasm a
little while keeping them focused.

WEST VIRGINIA WINS IN SUDDEN DEATH SCENARIO

NILES, OH- The West Virginia Black Bears took down the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the extra-inning frame to win the 3 game series over the weekend.

Mahoning Valley took the first lead of the ballgame, with Zach Dezenzo reaching on a single and then scoring on a wild pitch. West Virginia then responded with a run in the top of the fourth with an opposite field jack by Ryan Hernandez. The Black Bears would take their first lead of the ballgame in the fifth inning, scoring 2 runs on a Gehrig Anglin single, and a sac-fly by Caeden Trenkle.

The Scrappers would spark a rally in the sixth inning to tie the ballgame up at 3. With runners at second and third base, Dezenzo banged a single back up the middle to plate 2 runners and tie the ballgame. This contest would go to the sudden death frame in the tenth inning, with West Virginia at the plate. The Black Bears had the bases loaded with 0 outs, and would walk it off with a single into left field by Marek Chlup.

The Scrappers have a long stretch on the road, and will not return home until July 22nd against State College.

SCRAPPERS WALK OFF TO OPEN HOME STAND

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers walked-off the West Virginia Black Bears to win the series opener. It was a pitching duel throughout the ballgame, but the offense opened up late to win the ballgame.

Both starting pitchers were phenomenal through five innings of work. West Virginia starter Zach Bravo threw 5 scoreless innings which included 5 strikeouts. Mahoning Valley starter Michael Brewer tossed 5 scoreless innings as well, while retiring the last 14 batters in a row to end his outing. The offense then started to pick up when both teams went to the bullpen. Both teams we’re able to score a run in the sixth inning to get on the board.

In the ninth inning, the Scrappers got a lead-off single by Zach Dezenzo to put the game winning run on base. Brian Kalmer was hit by a pitch, and then Matt Archer put down a sacrifice bunt to move the runner 90 feet away from home plate. West Virginia intentionally walked a batter to bring up 17-year-old catcher Adrian Salas with the bases loaded. Salas banged a ground ball into right field to win the ballgame by a final of 2-1. West Virginia and Mahoning Valley compete again tonight in game 2 of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

*Contributed By YSN’s Richie Juliano

Postgame Interview With Homer Bush:

Postgame Interview with Adrian Salas:

POLAND SET FOR REMATCH AGAINST BOARDMAN

BOARDMAN, OH- Poland just had a feeling they hadn’t seen the last of the Boardman All-Stars.  Thursday, they proved it.

Poland blasted past Austintown 12-2 in an elimination game on Friday to setup the championship rematch.

In the first inning, Poland got their offense started. Carson Martinucci singled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.  Poland tallied five runs in the third inning, batters contributing to the big inning included Dom Delloumo, Colin Simerlink, and Carson Martinucci, all knocking in runs in the inning.

Colin Simerlink was on the pitcher’s mound for Poland. The pitcher lasted four and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking zero.

Bryce Freudenberg was on the hill for Austintown. The righthander went two and two-thirds innings, allowing 11 runs on ten hits and striking out one. Bryce Stovall threw three and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Poland collected 13 hits. Colin Simerlink, Zachary Marantis, and Matthew Pint each managed multiple hits for Poland.

Karter Oyster went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Austintown in hits.