From staff reports
NILES, Ohio - The State College Spikes received another fine pitching effort, but the Mahoning Valley Scrappers scored in the first inning and made it stick as they downed the Spikes, 1-0, on Tuesday night at Eastwood Field.
Zack Dodson (2-4), Trent Stevenson and Mitch Fienemann combined to allow just six hits, with Stevenson retiring all seven batters he faced in middle relief. Dodson started and struck out three, but allowed the only Mahoning Valley (28-36) run in the first three batters.
The Scrappers took the only lead of the game when Nick Bartolone scored on Richard Martinez's RBI groundout. Bartolone had doubled to start the Scrappers' initial frame, and advanced to third on a passed ball.
State College (30-33) was held to four hits by Mahoning Valley pitching, but took advantage of eight walks to twice load the bases. However, the Spikes were unable to score on either occasion, and left a total of 11 runners on base during the game.
Drew Maggi reached base three times on a single and two walks, while Gift Ngoepe added to his team-leading total with two bases on balls.
Dodson took the loss after allowing six hits and two walks. After Stevenson completed his perfect outing, Fienemann tossed a scoreless eighth inning, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one.
Mahoning Valley starter Mike Rayl started and went four shutout innings, allowing two hits and five walks while striking out four. The win went to Gregorio Rosario (1-1), who came in immediately after Rayl and allowed one hit and two walks over two innings of work.
Wednesday, the Spikes meet the Scrappers for the fifth consecutive night in a 7:05 p.m. matchup at Eastwood Field. Right-hander Brandon Cumpton will make his first professional start for State College against Mahoning Valley right-hander Michael Goodnight (0-1).
