Niles, Ohio - Daytime was not the right time for the Williamsport Crosscutters as they dropped the middle game of the series against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers 8-4 at 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood on Wednesday afternoon.
Mahoning Valley, one day after being shutout, would strike first. The Scrappers were able to push a run across in the second and four runs in the fourth, carrying a 5-0 lead into the sixth inning.
With one out in the top of the sixth, Chris Stanfield would work a walk. After a Ben Tryon flyout, Brodey Acres would move Stanfield to second with a single. This brought up Addison Smith, who would knock his first triple in a Cutters uniform to score both Stanfield and Acres, cutting the Scrappers lead to 5-2 in the middle of the sixth.
Mahoning Valley quickly responded, plating three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead back to six at 8-2.
Williamsport got one run back in the seventh as Kyle Schupmann lined a triple to left field with two outs, the second Cutters triple of the day. Following a Maddix Dalena walk, Chris Stanfield would drive across Schupmann to make it 8-3, still in favor of Mahoning Valley, at the stretch.
The top of the eighth saw Williamsport score their final run of the game, this time thanks to a two-out solo home run by Chance Jennings, his first of the season. The homer was driven 366 feet over the left field wall to bring the game to what would be the final score of 8-4 in favor of the Scrappers.
Conyngham, Pa. native Brett Antolick made his debut for the Cutters, getting the start and working the first three innings, allowing one run on one three hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Antolick would suffer the loss.
Jaden Noot was first out of the bullpen and worked two innings of relief, allowing four runs on five hits, including a home run, and striking out four.
Will Howell was next on the hill, allowing three additional Scrappers runs, two earned, on three hits in one inning of relief.
Dallis Moran went the final two innings on the mound, allowing just two baserunners on walks while striking out three.
With each team having a win, Williamsport and Mahoning Valley will decide the series on Thursday night in Niles, Ohio. First pitch from 7 17 Credit Union Field at Eastwood is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Cutters Carvings - Williamsport did not steal a base during today's game, marking the first time this season without a stolen base... Between Maddix Dalena on Tuesday night and Chance Jennings on Wednesday, the Crosscutters have had a home run in each game this series so far... With two triples today, Williamsport has now had three on the season. The other triple was hit by Ben Tryon at home on June 4th vs. West Virginia...
