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Seven-run 7th leaves MV 5-0

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Two-run doubles by Tre Gantt and Tyler Freeman in a seven-run seventh inning sparked a 7-4 Mahoning Valley victory Tuesday night over State College, the Scrappers’ fifth straight win to open the season.

Mahoning Valley (5-0) matched the 2009 team for the best start in franchise history.

The Scrappers sent 12 batters to the plate in the seventh, wiping out a 2-0 lead the Spikes (2-3) held since the second inning.

Gantt’s double scored Elvis Perez and Jason Rodriguez to tie the game, then Freeman drove home the go-ahead runs. A wild pitch plated the Scrappers’ fifth run, then Perez, who started the inning with a single, drove home runs six and seven with another base hit.

State College added single runs in the eighth and ninth before Luis Valdez slammed the door shut to finish off the game.

Starting pitcher Zach Draper worked four innings, allowing the two runs on eight hits. He struck out six without walking a batter.

Luis Araujo (1-0) earned the win in two innings of relief work, allowing just one hit and fanning two. Valdez got the save in three innings of relief. He allowed two runs, one earned, on two hits. He walked three and struck out one.

The Scrappers go for a three-game sweep of the Spikes tonight with first pitch set for 7:05. Juan Mota will start for the Scrappers.

Mahoning Valley returns home Thursday to start a six-game homestand. The Scrappers face the Auburn Doubledays Thursday, Friday and Saturday, then the Williamsport Crosscutters play at Eastwood Field Sunday through Tuesday.

Thursday’s game is the first Buck Night of the season with general admission tickets, hot dogs, drafts and fountain drinks all priced at $1.

On Friday, the Scrappers will wear specialty Star Wars jerseys which will be auctioned off to benefit the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. Fireworks are scheduled following the game.

Saturday night is Jose Ramirez bobblehead night.

Tickets can be purchased at mvscrappers.com or by calling 330-505-0000 or visiting the Chevy All-Stars box office at Eastwood Field.

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