Champs eliminated from contention

AUBURN - For the first time in seven years, the Auburn Doubledays will not be part of the New York-Penn League playoff picture.

Even if they had defeated Mahoning Valley at Falcon Park on Monday, the Doubledays would have missed the postseason, due to a Brooklyn win over Aberdeen. But in the end, the 6-1 loss to the Scrappers was a microcosm of Auburn's season - plenty of opportunities, but not enough capitalizing for the defending league champs.

The Doubledays stranded eight runners - including a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the sixth - but couldn't earn a single clutch hit. With the bags full, Brian Van Kirk's patience at the plate earned a walk that brought in Bryan Kervin to score. Following the run that closed the Scrappers' lead to 3-1, Brad Hinkle fanned the next three batters to end the Doubledays' rally.