Sentinel photo by JEFF SHOMO Mifflin County’s Jayden Smith (21) gets an out at first base on Monday in State College.

By Kenny Varner

Sports correspondent

STATE COLLEGE — Going for the season sweep, the Mifflin County baseball team looked to make it a perfect two-for-two against rival State College on the road Monday as they have entered the second half of the regular season.

The Huskies were also looking to move its winning streak to six games as they posted a 6-3 record at game time.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, the game belonged to the Little Lions as they outlasted Mifflin County, 2-1.

Picking up the win for State College was Michael Yourey while teammate Rowan Walker got the save. Taking the loss for Mifflin County was hurler Thad Gerwick.

Both teams’ pitching games would have strong outings as both allowed six hits each.

Mifflin County’s offense was led by the 2-for-4 effort by Evan Strohecker. He also scored the Huskies’ only run.

The Huskies got a strong effort from starting pitcher Parker Crownover. Crownover went four complete innings, giving up six hits, striking out five and did not allow a run in his time on the mound.

Despite the loss, Mifflin County manager Ray Hoppel

“These guys, these guys battle all the time. I never have to question their effort,” said Hoppel. “They play hard. We beat them 2-1 at our place. They beat this 2-1 here. So we knew coming in, it was gonna be a tough fight. And, you know, watching the game today, they executed a couple plays better than we did, and that was a difference.”

After a scoreless first, the Little Lions had chances in the second.

Things started well for Mifflin County as Crownover struck out the first two batters he faced in the inning.

But a walk to Mike Powell and a single by Cam Machtinger led to the Little Lions finding themselves with runners on second and third.

Crownover was up for the challenge as he struck out Jake Hall to stay unscathed.

After some threatening innings by both teams throughout the contest.

State College used the fifth inning to their advantage by scoring two to end the scoreless tie.

Rowan Walters was hit by a Mifflin County offering then teammate Kellen Williams walked. Both moved up a base on a balk call. Both scored on consecutive bunt singles to take the lead at two.

“It was kind of a tough day. It was kind of a tough day for hitters, and we probably got the ball in the air a little bit too much,” said Hoppel. “We need to focus maybe a little bit more on keeping the ball on the ground and hit line drives, but, you know, that wind today really grabbed that ball and brought it back, and unfortunately, you know if Easton (Lepley) hits that ball on a calm day, it’s probably gone, or the hits to the left field, and it’s gone, but just today, it just wasn’t quite enough.”

But Mifflin County refused to go down without a fight as they went into their last at-bats.

The Huskies found themselves trailing 2-0 going into their last at-bats.

With one out in the seventh, Strohecker gave the Huskies some promise by notching a single.

Madden Weaver reached on a single of his own, putting runners on first and second. Jayden Smith loaded the bases.

Karl Shirey sent a blast into right field, allowing Strohecker to tag from third, cutting the lead to 2-1.

Easton Lepley blasted a shot deep into center but State College would spoil the potential hit, ending the contest with the catch.

However, that would be all Mifflin County could muster as State College would take home the victory.

Mifflin County is back in action Wednesday at home against Altoona.

State College 2, Mifflin County 1

MC 000 000 1 – 1 6 2

SC 000 020 x – 2 6 2

WP: Michael Yourey

LP: Thad Gerwick

S: Rowan Walker

Multiple hitters: MC – Evan Strohecker 2-for-4 run. SC – Kellen Williams 2-for-2 run, Cooper Salvato 2-for-3 RBI.

HR: MC – None. SC – None.

3B: MC – None. SC – None.

2B: MC – None. SC – None.