NILES — The Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ first road trip of the season included everything from a near no-hitter to a sudden death victory to a game being smoked out.

The Scrappers won the final game of the trip Sunday in dramatic fashion, scoring three runs in the ninth to defeat Williamsport 6-5.

On Monday the Scrappers returned to Eastwood Field to start a six-game homestand. On a night when the weather was much better suited for football, the Frederick Keys scored the equivalent of a touchdown and a field goal to defeat the Scrappers 10-6.

Frederick teed off on Scrappers starter Elijah Pleasants early and often. The Keys scored a pair of runs in the first inning, three in the second, then erupted for a five-run fifth inning.

Pleasants exited the game with one out in the fifth, but not before surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits.

Trailing 10-0, the Scrappers made things interesting by putting up six runs in the seventh inning. Danny Doligale and Mason Sykes each knocked in a pair of runs with base hits. Poland High and Youngstown State product Braeden O’Shaghnessy then capped the scoring with a two-run homer.

Frederick pounded out 15 hits on the night.

The Scrappers and Keys continue their three-game series tonight at 7:05.

For the first time in his baseball career, Scrappers catcher Cole Conn isn’t playing on the same field with his closest ally – and his fiercest rival.

Conn, a native of St. Charles, Ill., recently completed his junior season at the University of Illinois-Chicago. During his first three years with the Flames, Conn had a teammate who he also played alongside with in high school, in junior high and in Little League.

In fact, the two have been inseparable since birth.

Conn’s twin brother, Clay, is an infielder at UIC. He recently completed his redshirt sophomore season with the Flames, and is playing summer ball in southern Illinois,

“Being here with the Scrappers, this is the first time in my life I’m on a team without Clay,” Conn said. “We’ve grown up as teammates but we also love to compete against each other.

“With us, everything has to be a competition. If he does something better than me, you can bet I’m going to do it better the next time. We just constantly go back and forth, and it has made both of us better in all that we do.”

Conn and his brother grew up playing soccer, football and lacrosse. They also wrestled, but Conn gave up the other sports in high school to focus on baseball.

“I enjoyed wrestling, but it was tough trying to take off weight for wrestling and then trying to put weight on for baseball,” Conn said. “After my freshman year in high school I decided to really hone in on baseball, and it has worked out for the best.”

Conn has worked behind the plate throughout his baseball career.

“I love working with the pitchers, I love the fact that as a catcher you’re really involved in every pitch of the game,” Conn said. “You really have to stay focused. Being a catcher keeps you mentally sharp and I think it gives you a clearer picture of the game.”

Conn is no stranger to Eastwood Field. He played at the stadium several times when UIC visited the Valley to take on Youngstown State.

“This is a great stadium to play in, and there’s really a different vibe for Scrappers games,” Conn said. “Fans are really into their baseball.”

Conn collected his biggest hit as a Scrapper on Sunday. With the Scrappers trailing 5-4 in the ninth inning at Williamsport, Conn plated a pair of runs with a two-out single. The Scrappers hung on for a 6-5 win.