UNIVERSITY PARK – Luke House struck out seven batters as he delivered six innings of one-run ball on Tuesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, but the State College Spikes took a 4-2 loss against the Frederick Keys.

House, who was named to the MLB Draft League’s All-First Half team, scattered six hits and did not walk a batter while retiring nine straight batters at one point. The Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) product delivered his third start of six innings or more while allowing three runs or less this season.

Despite the win, the Keys (19-19 2nd Half) were knocked out of postseason contention as the West Virginia Black Bears captured the MLB Draft League Second Half title with a victory over the Williamsport Crosscutters, leaving the way clear for the Spikes (17-21 2nd Half), the league’s First Half champions, to face the Black Bears on Thursday, September 4 in the 2025 MLB Draft League Championship Game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

State College took a 1-0 lead as Trotter Boston knocked in Cole Caruso with a single off the mitt of first baseman Bronson Rivera in the fourth. After the Keys tied the game in the top of the sixth, the Spikes moved ahead as an error brought home T.J. Salvaggio in the bottom half.

However, Frederick took the lead for good with back-to-back RBI singles from Taj Bates and Cam Pittman in the seventh. Irvin Escobar added an insurance run with a single to knock in Cam Hassert in the eighth.

Spikes reliever Skyler Riedinger (3-1) took the loss after yielding both runs in the seventh. Ian Cooke (3-1) tossed two innings of relief without being charged with a run for the win. Davis Smith (1) struck out two batters while notching a six-out save.

After an off day on the MLB Draft League schedule on Wednesday, the Spikes start the last week of the regular season with the 2025 regular season home finale on Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. when they host Williamsport. Right-hander Carter Holjes (2-2) is slated to start on the mound for State College.