NILES — Last week, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers experienced a rough six-game road trip which ended with just one win. Three of those games at Trenton resulted in a trio of losses. The Scrappers managed to score just one run in three games against the Thunder.

On Thursday, the Scrappers and Thunder hooked up again, this time at Eastwood Field.

Different venue, same results.

Trenton rallied from a 2-0 deficit and defeated the Scrappers 4-3 in front of 3,585 Buck Night fans.

Both teams returned to the field following a three-day break. A scheduled day off on Monday was followed by back-to-back cancellations.

The Scrappers took an early lead when Nick Schwartz doubled home Jarrod Belbin in the second for the game’s first run. The Scrappers built their lead to 2-0 in the fourth on a Belbin RBI double.

The two runs snapped a Scrappers’ scoreless streak against Trenton at 27.2 innings.

Trenton tied the game with a two-run sixth. Chris Brito belted a towering solo home run over the left field wall. That was followed by back-to-back doubles by Ryland Zaborowski and Alden Mathes. The visitors took the lead for good in the eighth when Evan Slight led off the inning with a 400-foot blast to right.

The Scrappers cut their deficit to 4-3 in the ninth thanks to a single and three walks. Colton Coates (.344 batting average) grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game.

Trenton lifts its record to 16-6 while the Scrappers fall to 8-14.

The Scrappers return to Eastwood Field tonight to begin a three-game series against State College.

First pitch is slated for 7:05 with a post-game fireworks show to follow.

GLASS HALF FULL

In the fall of 2018, Joe Glassey was at the top of the baseball world.

Glassey was beginning his senior year at Lakes High School (Lake Villa, IL), where he was a standout pitcher on the baseball team. During his sophomore and junior years, Glassey experienced a growth spurt. He added velocity and spin to his pitches.

Just as he entered his final year of high school, Glassey accepted an athletic scholarship offer from the University of Illinois.

Then, just two games into his final season of high school ball in the spring of 2019, Glassey’s own season came to an end due to an arm injury.

Glassey spent the next few months resting and rehabbing and was all set to dive head-first into his collegiate career. Then, COVID wiped out the 2020 season.

“That was tough because I was so excited to get started with a new chapter of my life, with a new team, it was so exciting to be on campus,” Glassey said. “Then we all get sent home and now I’m faced with going nearly two full years without playing any games.”

Glassey finally was able to return to the mound against competition in the spring of 2021. His first outing didn’t go quite as planned. Facing Ohio State, Glassey entered a tied game in the 13th inning, surrendered three runs and took the loss.

“Definitely not what I envisioned for my return to the field,” Glassey said. “But luckily for me, I had the backing of a solid coaching staff and I had the support of my teammates and friends. I was able to get back into the routine. I was able to put the puzzle pieces back in place.”

Glassey has since been a mainstay in the Illini bullpen. This past spring he appeared in 19 games, recording a 3-1 record with three saves.

His success has carried over with the Scrappers.

Heading into Thursday’s game against Trenton, Glassey has appeared in nine games and has yet to surrender a run. He has worked 10 innings, recording three saves.

“There’s a lot of great talent in this (MLB Draft League), it forces me to stay sharp and to be at the top of my game every night,” Glassey said. “Hitters usually start hitting their stride right at the end of the college season, so they come into this league at the top of their game.

“As a pitcher, you have to be focused.”

Glassey says that the most rewarding part of being with the Scrappers is the insight he is receiving from teammates.

“I’m around a lot of very talented arms, guys who are throwing in the mid-to-upper 90s and who can spin it like nobody’s business,” Glassey said. “Just being around these guys and working with them every day is going to improve my game.”