Well, that’s enough of Mahoning Valley for one month. The Jammers first four games (of 12) with the Scrappers ended in a 2-2 tie, but Thursday night was more of the same as the Jammers pounded out hits and received another stellar outing from the bullpen to win comfortably 6-2.
The good: Well a lot, which tends to happen in a 4-run win. Jake Esch was great in relief. He threw four innings, allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out four. And no runs as the Jammers kept adding to their lead.
Also, Jamestown had 13 hits. Five guys had multi-hit nights including Cameron Flynn who had been struggling mightily in the leadoff spot. He went 2-for-4 hitting eighth. Viosergy Rosa, Anthony Gomez, Yeison Hernandez and Jesus Solorzano also had two hits a piece. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except Austin Nola, who did at least draw a walk.
Sean Donatello also threw three solid innings, allowing just a run in the ninth, en route to grabbing an endurance save.
The bad: Nola. Only him and Solorzano have started every game, but Nola is just 1-for-17. It’s way too early to be concerned about the kid, though. Ryan Newell only went two innings and I just don’t understand the pitching patterns for the Jammers. If they only wanted two innings out of Newell, but were willing to go four with Esch, why not start Esch? Even Donatello threw three. Who knows, but the Jammers combined to throw a five hitter.
Game was over when: Esch struck out Hunter Jones to end the sixth. Jamestown had just tacked on another run in the top half of the inning to make it 5-1 and the Scrappers had runners on the corners for one of their better hitters in Jones. The strikeout ended the inning. Brian Dice hit a homerun to start the seventh and it was all over except the crying.
Next up: Back up the 90 come the Jammers. They’ll play Batavia at 7:05 p.m. at Dwyer before returning home for two against the Muckdogs on the weekend.
