UNIVERSITY PARK - The State College Spikes tied a team record with four runs in the first inning, and never looked back in a 6-1 win over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Monday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
David Rubinstein and Justin Byler drove in two runs apiece for State College (5-6).
Each of the first six Spikes hitters reached base in the opening frame to help tie a team record set just two nights ago when State College scored four runs in the first against the Auburn Doubledays.
Butch Biela also fueled the Spikes' attack with a 2-for-4 performance.
Tyler Cox (2-1) went 5 2/3 innings, a season high for any Spikes' starter and earned the win. Cox allowed only one run on six hits, walking two and striking out two to beat Mahoning Valley (7-4) for the second time in five nights.
Scrappers starter Ryan Anthony (0-2) took the loss after pitching only the first inning. Anthony allowed four runs on three hits and two walks in the defeat.
Tuesday night, the Spikes look for a series victory over the Scrappers as the two teams meet in the rubber match of their three-game set at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park at 7:05 p.m.
Right-hander Jason Erickson (0-0) is slated to make his first professional start for State College against Mahoning Valley righty Clayton Cook (0-0).
