NILES — Mired in a two-week slump to start the second half of the season, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers can thank the West Virginia Black Bears and WV catcher Noah Jouras, in particular, for breaking the skid.

The Scrappers on Thursday defeated West Virginia 9-0 at 717 Credit Union Field, marking just the third MV victory in 12 tries since the start of the second half of the season.

Jouras, a regular in the Black Bears lineup, was moved to the Scrappers’ roster for the night due to a lack of position players with the Scrappers. Jouras was in the MV lineup as a designated hitter. He scored the game’s first run and collected a hit for his temporary team.

The Scrappers broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth. Jouras reached on a fielder’s choice and eventually scored on a Kaikea Harrison base hit. Harrison then crossed the plate courtesy of a Jordan Taylor double.

The Scrappers doubled their lead to 4-0 in the fifth on a Zion Williams home run. Cooper Vance singled home a run in the sixth to extend the lead to 5-0. The Scrappers busted it open with a four-run eighth.

Scrappers starter Alex Kanipe provided the Scrappers with a much-needed solid outing. Kanipe worked five scoreless innings, scattering five hits while recording five strikeouts.

Reliever Jay Newman worked four innings without allowing a hit.

The Scrappers entered the night with a 6.57 team ERA since the start of the second half of the season.

The Scrappers and Black Bears continue their three-game series today, with the first pitch slated for 7:17 p.m. Tonight’s game is sold out, and no tickets will be available at the gate.

Tonight is 717 Credit Union Financial Wellness Night, a promotion which was originally scheduled to take place July 17 but was canceled due to poor air quality resulting from the Canadian wildfires.

In addition to the free tickets distributed by 717 Credit Union, fans tonight will receive free parking, a voucher for a free hot dog and a free soft drink.

The night will conclude with the Scrappers’ first combination fireworks and drone show.

Tonight will also feature an appearance by former Cleveland Indians All-Star Kenny Lofton. In addition to the Lofton VIP Meet and Greet (sold out), Lofton will be available for a general autograph session for one hour. Lofton will sign one branded photo card per fan, provided by the team, during each session.

Fans with tickets from July 17 can bring those to the main gate for entry. Anyone who previously had a ticket for tonight’s game will have their seats reserved. Anyone who has vouchers as part of the Papa John’s and Pepsi Customer Appreciation Days can still bring them to the box office to redeem.

Last year, the 717 Credit Union Financial Awareness Night attracted a crowd of 9,034 fans.