Mahoning Valley Scrappers third basemen Edison Polanco throws to first base during the fifth inning of a game against State College Spikes, in Niles, Ohio, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.(David Dermer/Warren Tribune Chronicle)

NILES — Following weeks of unseasonably gloomy and cool weather throughout the area, summer-like conditions finally arrived as May gave way to June.

On Tuesday the boys of summer also returned to the Mahoning Valley, and they provided a ray of sunshine for the 3,875 fans who poured into 7 17 Credit Union Field.

In what was the Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ opening game of the season, the Scrappers downed State College 6-3.

The Scrappers scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. A hit batter and a single put runners at first and third with no outs in the inning. Ursuline and Youngstown State product Brady Shannon grounded into a double play, but in the process Josiah Seguin crossed the plate.

The Spikes tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fifth. Justin Journette led off with a single, advanced to third on a pair of hit batters, then scored on a wild pitch.

The Scrappers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the sixth courtesy of a walk and a pair of singles. Seguin then cleared the bases with a double, giving the Scrappers a 4-1 lead. One batter later, Seguin scored on an Edison Polanco RBI single.

The Scrappers tacked on a run in the seventh on a wild pitch.

Scrappers starter Chris Domke pitched four scoreless innings, surrendering just one single while recording five strikeouts. Domke, of North Royalton, is an Ohio State product who began his career at Youngstown State.

Scrappers reliever Tommy Szczepanski (Michigan State) pitched three innings, giving up just one run on one hit, with seven strikeouts.

Scrappers pitchers combined to record 17 strikeouts.

Tuesday’s game marked the managerial debut of Raul Gonzalez, who was hired by the Scrappers just two weeks ago. Gonzalez was brought on board after Joe Thurston – hired to manage the Scrappers in April – later removed himself from the position.

“This was unexpected,” Gonzalez said of his hiring. “I was looking at maybe being a hitting coach. I wasn’t necessarily seeking this out, but when it opened up and the offer came, I jumped at it.

“I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to coach, to teach and to pass on what I can to this generation of players.”

Gonzalez certainly has plenty of experience to share. A native of Puerto Rico, Gonzalez was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 17th round of the 1990 Major League Baseball Draft. At the time he was just 17-years-old and a junior in high school.

“In my mind I always believed I was going to make it to pro ball,” Gonzalez said. “I started playing wiffle ball with friends when I was four or five years old. I was always smaller than most players my age. I was never great, but in my mind I just knew that I was going to make it.”

Gonzalez signed with the Royals, but was first afforded the opportunity to finish his high school career. He then spent 10 years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on May 25, 2000. He appeared in just three games with the Cubs, then spent two years with Cincinnati where he appeared in just 21 games. He spent part of 2002 and all of 2003 with the New York Mets, appearing in 107 games in ’03. He finished his playing career with a brief stint in Cleveland.

“When my career ended, I wasn’t very happy with the way things went, I thought I could do better,” Gonzalez said. “I was thankful for the opportunity, but I never felt like it was as much of an opportunity as I wanted. But I had absolutely no regrets.

“Later on I realized just how tough it is to reach the major leagues. It’s a special place because so few make it. I’m disappointed in my stats but now looking back I’m proud and happy that I made it.”

Immediately following his retirement as a player, Gonzalez began his career as a coach. He served as an advance scout for the Detroit Tigers, and as a hitting coach for four different MLB organizations.

“I love teaching the game, I love being a part of the development of players and getting them ready for the next level,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez is joined by former MLB players Jason Stanford (pitching coach) and Orlando Merced (hitting coach).

“All I ask of our players is that they be open minded and that they aren’t afraid to ask questions,” Gonzalez said. “Listen to our staff. Listen to what we have to say because anything that will happen on that field this summer we’ve probably seen it or have been through it.

“The goal for these players is to reach pro ball. And our goal is to be part of that process.”

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