Mahoning Valley scored six runs in the first four innings, and the Scrappers bullpen allowed just one run over four innings as Williamsport lost the second game of the three-game series, 6-2 on Tuesday in Niles, Ohio.
Crosscutters starting pitcher Jonathan Musser did not make it to the third inning for the second time in as many starts, allowing five earned runs in 1 1/3 innings. He walked four, struck out one and gave up three hits. In his first start of the season, Musser allowed three runs in two innings. He's walked eight in 3 1/3 innings of work this year.
With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, Musser surrendered a two-run home run to Juan Romero to give the Scrappers a 2-1 lead.
Mahoning Valley added three more runs in the second thanks to a bases loaded walk to Tyler Naquin, the Cleveland Indians' first-round draft pick. Musser was four of the first five batters of the second inning.
Luis Gonzalez relieved Musser and promptly surrendered a two-run single to Charlie Valerio, scoring Evan Frazar and Robel Garcia. Gonzalez threw 4 2/3 solid innings of relief, giving up five hits and just one earned run. He struck out six.
Williamsport played without Roman Quinn and Larry Greene for the first time this year, but got a spark in the first inning from leadoff batter Diego Gonzalez. He reached on a bunt single, stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error. Gonzalez scored when Chace Numata reached on a fielding error.
