Morning Report - Lots of rain; Black Bears defeat Scrappers

Sandy Santos

The weather didn’t cooperate in the New York-Penn League last night, as three games were rained out and one was suspended in the third inning (and the West Virginia-Mahoning Valley game was rain delayed after the 6th inning).

It is always good to win the first game of the year. The West Virginia Black Bears did that last night, defeating the Mahoning Valley Scrappers 3-0, before a crowd of 2,750.

Cooper is still the team mascot and the Pepperoni Rolls are back for their third season of racing between innings. Double Stuffed Dave is still winless after last night’s race.

Sandy Santos is back for a second year in Granville after struggling this spring with the West Virginia Power in the South Atlantic League (.181/.301/.319 in 40 games). He made a nice diving catch and a hit a double to the gap in left-center, but still shows a lack of discipline at the plate, striking out twice.

Garrett Brown

Garrett Brown led the way with a two-run single in the seventh inning. Brown was drafted in the 23rd round in the 2016 draft out of Western Carolina and spent the 2016 season with Bristol in the Appalachian League (.259/.303/.327).

Pitching dominated last night’s action; there were 27 strikeouts (17 by Black Bears pitchers). Mitch Keller, on a rehab assignment from Bradenton (Florida State League), looked sharp in two innings of work, giving up one hit and striking out four.  
Yoandy Fernandez had seven strikeouts in three innings of relief. The 29 year-old Cuban right-hander was signed by the Pirates earlier this spring.

Francisco Perez pitched five scoreless innings for the Scrappers, striking out four.

Other item of note: You can get Labatt Blue on draft at the concession stands at Monongalia County Ballpark this year.

In other NYPL games completed, Williamsport defeated the Spikes 9-2 in State College and Batavia topped Auburn 8-2 at home.

The Black Bears and the Scrappers do it again tonight at 7:05pm. Fireworks after the game. Ticket information at westvirginiablackbears.com

Photo Credits: MLB.com
 
The Stedler Report is not affiliated with Minor League Baseball or the New York-Penn League.