On an absolutely perfect night for a baseball game, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers looked to go above .500 and continue to improve.  The obstacle that stood between the Scrappers and that goal was Jamestown, first place Jamestown.  The Scrappers got good pitching and scratched out just enough offense to tie the Jammers for first place with a 2-1 win.

The Jammers scored first when Sequoyah Stonecipher homered off of Scrappers starting pitcher Jordan Cooper.  The solo shot was Stonecipher’s first of the 2010 season.

Mahoning Valley responded in the bottom half of the second inning to the the game at a run apiece.  Wyatt Toregas singled and moved to second when Tyler Cannon was issued a free pass.  Andrew Kinney (pictured at top) then doubled to right-center field knocking in Toregas and knotting the contest.

Chase Burnette (above) untied the score with one swing of the bat when he absolutely crushed an 0-1 pitch to very deep right-center to put the Scrappers ahead 2-1.  For Burnette, it was home run number three on the season.

In relief of Cooper, Dale Dickerson and Clayton Ehlert shut down the Jammers to preserve the win.  Nick Kirk came in with two down in the ninth to pick up his third save of the year.

Burnette talked about the fortunes of his team.  “Our pitching was great tonight.  For us to only get three hits and come away with a win is really fortunate.”  When asked about stepping into a leadership role, Burnette humbly deflected.  “I am a first year guy here and I am still learning how this all works, Wyatt [Toregas] is a veteran here and we respect him.”

Starting pitcher, Jordan Cooper, also shyly accepted congratulations after the game.  “My defense was great behind me tonight and me and Wyatt were on the same page.  I gave up a home run, but after that, I settled in and avoided mistakes.”

The win vaults Mahoning Valley into a tie with Jamestown with both teams at 8-7.  Saturday’s game is now a battle for first place.  It is also adult cap giveaway night… see you at Eastwood Field at 7:05!