LOWELL, Mass. - The State College Spikes took advantage of a Lowell Spinners error in the second inning to take the lead, and Colton Cain combined with Kevin Decker and Jason Townsend to make that run hold up in a 1-0 shutout win on Thursday night at LeLacheur Park.
Cain started and allowed just two runs and two hits while striking out four in his four innings of work. While the left-hander was holding Lowell (15-38) at bay, State College (26-28) struck in the second inning. After New York-Penn League All-Star Matt Curry singled to lead off the frame, Cole White walked to advance him to second. The Spinners then attempted to turn a double play on Gerlis Rodriguez's groundball, but second baseman Joantoni Garcia threw errantly to first, allowing Curry to score.
Decker (5-1) then kept Lowell off of the scoreboard in his 4 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits and retiring 12 batters in a row at one point. The College of Charleston alum also struck out two in earning the victory, which gives him the team lead in wins. Townsend picked up his fourth save by notching the final two outs of the game for State College off a line-drive double play turned by Gift Ngoepe.
The win also snapped a four-game losing streak and a four-game slide on the road for State College. Ngoepe's double in the third inning was the only extra-base hit for either team, and one of just four in the game for the Spikes.
Lowell starter Hunter Cervenka (0-4) took the loss after allowing the Spikes' only run, which was unearned, on four hits and four walks. Cervenka also struck out one in the effort.
The Spikes head to Aberdeen to start a three-game set with the IronBirds at Ripken Stadium on Friday. The game, slated to start at a later time of 7:35 p.m. due to ceremonies surrounding the Cal Ripken World Series.
