Staff photo / Brian Yauger. Mahoning Valley outfielder Adam Fogel high-fives teammates in the Scrappers dugout after scoring the game’s opening run Monday night at Eastwood Field.

NILES — The Mahoning Valley Scrappers temporarily changed their identity on Monday as they became the Mahoning Valley Peppers In Oil. The colorful and specially-designed uniforms gave the team an entirely new look.

The Scrappers-turned-Peppers then looked like a completely different team on the field as they pickled and jarred the Frederick Keys 11-1 in front of 2,540 fans at Eastwood Field.

Prior to Monday, the Scrappers had lost 24 of their last 30 games, including three straight.

The Scrappers, now 2-2 in the second-half standings, pounded out 16 hits. Every player in the lineup had at least one hit, and seven players had a multi-hit game.

Tyler Acosta (2-for-5, three RBI) and Jeffrey Wehler (2-for-4, two RBI, two stolen bases) combined to knock in five runs and score four more runs.

The offensive explosion made a winner out of Scrappers starter Isaac Olson, who worked 6.1 innings, giving up just one run on four hits while recording seven strikeouts.

Leading 5-1, the Scrappers busted things wide open in the seventh when they scored six runs while sending 11 men to the plate.

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

RETURNING “HOME”

Wehler has looked quite comfortable during the early stages of his career in a Scrappers uniform.

Through his first four games, he is 8-for-15 with a home run, a double, four RBI and three runs scored. He has also walked twice while accumulating 19 total bases.

You might say that Wehler feels right at home.

Wehler played for Youngstown State for four years beginning in 2018 before transferring to Pitt this past season. With the Panthers this past spring, Wehler finished third on the team with a .294 batting average, while leading the squad in runs (48), doubles (17) and stolen bases (10).

Wehler, a communications major, also landed a spot on the All-ACC Academic team.

Youngstown State plays its home games at Eastwood Field.

“I loved my time in Youngstown, I enjoyed playing here and played for a great coach in Coach (Dan) Bertolini,” Wehler said. “I made a late decision that I wanted to spend my possible final year in baseball somewhere big, and I was honored and blessed to have the opportunity to do so at a Power Five school.”

Though primarily a second baseman, Wehler is listed on the Scrappers’ roster as the team’s lone utility player — and for good reason. During his collegiate career he played every position except for pitcher and catcher.

“In high school I was predominantly a third baseman until our shortstop graduated, then I moved to that position,” Wehler said. “At YSU I played first base and shortstop as a freshman. My sophomore year I played left field, then I ended up playing everywhere but on the mound and behind the plate.

“The more positions you can play, the more beneficial it is for the team and the individual. I feel like I have a lot to offer.”

Wehler is a native of St. Mary’s PA. His family made the 135-mile trek to Niles to witness his Scrappers’ debut. They’ll have an even shorter one-hour jaunt later this week when the Scrappers travel to State College.

“My family has always been so supportive,” Wehler said. “My parents, my two older brothers and an older sister are my biggest fans. Being the baby of the family I get a lot of love.”