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: