Spikes drubbed by Scrappers, 8-2
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UNIVERSITY PARK -- On Wednesday night, the State College Spikes looked to continue their winning ways during a home game against Mahoning Valley at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Spikes only trailed 3-2 after eight innings. However, they needed to stop the Scrappers from scoring.
Four walks and five runs from the Scrappers (14-17 before July 11) at the top of the ninth inning ended the Spikes’ three-game winning streak, 8-2.
With two walks in the ninth inning, a bunt single from the Scrappers loaded the bases. Scrapper Tripp Clark’s three-run single and Will Shannon’s two-run double silenced Spikes' fans.
“Those walks killed us,” said Tim Battle, the Spikes manager. “It was a close game all night. In that one inning, we just gave too many runs.”
During the eighth inning, with no outs and a 3-2 deficit, catcher Manny Jackson’s sacrifice bunt took Santino Russo to third and Robert Hipwell to second. But the Spikes were held in check by a strikeout and a foul out.
“We were trying to chip away and make some things progress throughout the game, but just didn’t,” Battle said.
Nine Spikes players left the team last week with the MLB Draft slated to begin Sunday. Battle believes his current players can keep the winning momentum.
Battle added the team’s goal for the first half of the season is to help players prepare for their professional baseball careers.
“The (Major League) draft is coming up and it can change their lives... A lot of kids showed the potential to get with the organization and do what they need to do to progress through to the minor leagues and make it to the majors,” Battle noted. “My main goal with the first half is to help them learn how to be professional baseball players and learn how to know the ins and outs of the game that we’re not really used to as often.”
Right fielder A.J. Salgado’s favorite team is the New York Yankees. His goal is to play at the Major League level.
“My goal is to make it to that level, be able to get the opportunity to get drafted and prove myself at that level in pro ball,” Salgado highlighted.
Spikes (17-15 before July 11) will conclude their first half of the season by hosting Trenton tomorrow. The second half begins on July 18.
“I gave a lot of guys opportunities in this first half, rotate guys and make sure that they get seen by the scouts,” Battle said. “The second half is all about winning... We all want to win the championship of the year. It’s the perseverance every day, being able to go out there and get 100% (of efforts) and play the game the right way.”
The Spikes visit the Scrappers July 18-21. Then after a day off, the Spikes meet Frederick (July 23-25), face Williamsport (July 26-28) and travel to Frederick (July 29-31).
State opens their August schedule with a seven-game homestand. They battle the Scrappers and Thunder (two games apiece) before an off day. Then, the Spikes square off with the Keys for two games.
At the time of this story being completed, the Spikes sat at second place in the MLB Draft League. The Crosscutters are in first place at 20-7 (before July 11th games).