SCRAPPERS DROP A RAIN SHORTENED GAME

By Ty Bartell 

NILES OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers lost a rain-shortened game to the Frederick Keys, 4-1, in eight innings on Wednesday. Hunter Dryden started on the mound for Mahoning Valley, while Frederick countered with Bradon Zastrow. In a special day game with an 11:05 a.m. first pitch, the Keys took an early lead with a pair of runs in the first inning on sacrifice fly outs by JoJo Jackson and Irvin Weems III, making it 2-0. The Scrappers responded in the bottom half of the inning when Tripp Clark lined an RBI single through the right side of the infield, cutting the Keys’ lead to 2-1.

In the top of the fourth inning, Frederick’s Irvin Escobar blasted a solo home run, reestablishing a two-run advantage at 3-1. Dryden delivered another quality start for the Scrappers, going six innings and allowing just three runs, keeping Mahoning Valley within striking distance.

The Keys extended their lead in the top of the eighth inning with their third sacrifice fly of the game, this time by Elijah Clayton, making it 4-1. However, the bottom of the eighth inning never got underway due to rainstorms that moved over Eastwood Field. After a brief delay, the game was called, giving the Keys (9-10) the victory over the Scrappers (8-11), marking Mahoning Valley’s eighth straight loss.

Both teams will face off again at Eastwood Field on Thursday, June 27th, with a traditional 7:05 p.m. first pitch.