NILES — The June swoon continued for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers right up until the final day of the month.

The Scrappers on Sunday fell to Trenton 4-2 at Eastwood Field, dropping their record to 9-14. Following an 8-3 start to the season, the Scrappers have dropped 11 of their last 12 games.

The Scrappers, who averaged more than eight runs per game through their first 11 games, have scored three or fewer runs in nine of their last 12 games.

Bases on balls proved costly as Trenton scored a pair of runs in the second inning. The Thunder loaded the bases with a pair of walks and a single. A Britton Beeson walk then forced in the first run of the game. One batter later, Nathan Archer pushed across the second run with a single.

Trenton put together another two-run frame in the fifth. This time, it was a Ryland Zaborowski two-RBI double which gave the Thunder a 4-0 advantage.

The Scrappers scored their first run in the seventh inning. Jared Quandt reached with a one-out walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on a Tripp Clark groundout.

In the ninth, the Scrappers cut their deficit to 4-2 on a Quandt two-out RBI double. Clark followed with a single to put the tying runs on base, however Josh Stevenson grounded out to end the game.

The Scrappers begin a two-game series Tuesday at West Virginia. The Scrappers and Black Bears then return to Eastwood Field on Thursday to begin another two-game set.

YOUNG, BUT BRIGHT FUTURE

For the vast majority of players on the Scrappers’ roster, their summer in the MLB Draft League serves as an extension of their recently-concluded college season. Most are looking to stay sharp in between semesters, while others are hoping to showcase their talents ahead of the upcoming MLB Draft.

For Scrappers outfielder Bryan Williams, spending a part of his summer in the Draft League serves as an introduction to what lies ahead.

At 18-years-old, Williams is the youngest player on the Scrappers’ roster. And while most of his teammates arrived at Eastwood Field at the conclusion of their most recent college seasons, Williams came to Niles straight out of high school.

Williams graduated from Midwest City High School (Midwest City, OK) on May 20. Less than two weeks later, he was wearing a Scrappers uniform.

“It was a pretty crazy couple of weeks, I missed a couple of graduation parties and things like that but I couldn’t wait to come here and get things started,” Williams said. “This is kind of my crash course on what to expect in my baseball future. It’s a great learning experience.

“Baseball is what I love to do. By being here I know it’s going to benefit me and my game in preparation for my next step.”

For Williams, that next step is either a professional contract or enrollment at Dallas Baptist University.

“The best case scenario is to hear my name called in the (July) draft, or maybe to sign as a free agent, but obviously I have time, there is no rush,” Williams said. “I’m enrolled and prepared to go to Dallas Baptist University and continue my education while playing college ball. So whatever happens, I trust the process and know it will be the best for me and my future.”

Williams recently completed his high school playing career in stellar fashion, being named first-team All-State. He led his team with a .488 batting average and seven triples.

As a seventh grader, Williams was offered a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma.

“That’s kind of the time when I knew baseball was my future, that I should focus on baseball as my primary sport,” Williams said. “I always loved other sports. I love playing basketball. But when I was in junior high I sort of knew that maybe baseball could get me into college or beyond. That’s cool, because baseball has always been my first love since I was six years old.”

Williams noted that receiving an offer from OU at such a young age “was an honor and a thrill.” He eventually was driven toward Dallas Baptist following a visit to the school prior to his senior season at Midwest City High.

“They have everything you could ask for in terms of baseball facilities, and I really liked what I saw from the coaching staff,” Williams said. “Right away it felt like home.”

For now, Williams is thankful for the opportunity to get a glimpse into his baseball future — whether it be at the college or professional level. Almost overnight he’s gone from hour-long practice sessions and twice-a-week games to spending entire days at the ballpark, whether it’s at Eastwood Field or on the road.

Williams wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Going from facing high school to college arms every day is way different but it’s been great, it’s all part of the learning process,” Williams said. “What really stands out to me is that my teammates and coaches have been outstanding. The older guys here, which is everyone, they have gone out of their way to help me any way they can.

“More than playing the game, just being around all of these great players and coaches for a couple of weeks has been a rewarding experience.”

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