Spikes Surge to Support Robinson, But Crosscutters Steal 7-6 Win

July 26, 2024 – Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Raises Press Release

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The State College Spikes used a five-run run in the fifth inning to support a solid start from Jackie Robinson, but the Williamsport Crosscutters scored three runs in the eighth inning to earn a 7-6 decision Friday night at Journey Bank Ballpark at historic Bowman Field.

Robinson overcame a tough first inning in which he allowed three runs to retire 11 of the next 13 batters he faced. The Austin Peay left-handed pitcher struck out five batters and walked two, while allowing four runs on four hits.

In the fifth inning, the Spikes (4-4 bottom half) batting came to life as they sent 10 batters to the plate. Josh Spiegel’s bases-loaded walk was followed by Austin Roccaforte’s RBI single. Cooper Hext then reached on a fielder’s choice to bring in another run, and Cam Bufford drove in the final two runs of the inning with a pop-up single that fell just inside the right-field line.

However, the Crosscutters (3-5 bottom half) got one back on Jacob Corson’s RBI single in the fifth. In the eighth, Levi Perrell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, followed by Mark Shallenberger’s ground ball deep into the gap to second for the eventual game-winning, two-run single.

Bufford went 3-for-4 and added a double for State College.

Williamsport reliever Parker Kruglewicz (1-1) pitched the final 1 2/3 innings and struck out four batters to earn the win. Leo Palacios (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing two walks, both scoring, in the eighth.

On Saturday, the series between the Spikes and Crosscutters switches locations to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for a 6:35 p.m. State College will send right-hander Brandon Bergert (1-0) to the mound to face right-hander Emmett Bice (0-0) of Williamsport.

The Spikes and Mount Nittany Health invite fans to join the fight against breast cancer during the annual Paint the Park Pink Night at Medlar Field in Lubrano Park. During the game, the Spikes and Mount Nittany Health will raise money and awareness with a Pink Jersey-off-the-Back Auction, a Pink Shirt Giveaway, special tributes and more throughout the night.

The Spikes’ pink jerseys, which will be worn by players and coaches during next Saturday’s game, are up for auction via the LiveSource app through the Pink Jersey-off-the-Back Auction. Proceeds from this year’s auction will go to the Mount Nittany Health Foundation to support the work of the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Health.

After the game, auction winners in attendance can walk onto the field at Medlar Field in Lubrano Park and receive their jersey, signed by the Spike who wore it, from the players and coaches.

The evening will conclude with a fantastic post-game FIREWORKS show, presented by Mount Nittany Health, which will light up the sky above Happy Valley.

Additionally, the first 500 fans of all ages can get their own souvenir at the stadium gate with a pink jersey giveaway presented by Mount Nittany Health, featuring a postgame session from Kids Run the Bases presented by Mount Nittany Health.

Saturday also features Scout Night and Penns Valley Community Night, as well as Super Saturday presented by the PA Lottery and Pop 93.3.

To purchase tickets for Saturday’s game and all remaining 2024 Spikes home games at the renovated Medlar Field at Lubrano Park through Sept. 3, fans can call 814-272-1711 or stop by the Spikes Ticket Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On home game days, tickets are open from 9 a.m. to close of game Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to close of game Saturday and Sunday.

Fans can also purchase and download individual game tickets 24/7 and view the 2024 promotional schedule at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Follow all the action from Saturday’s Spikes game on the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics with Steve Jones on the line. The broadcast begins with Spikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health airing from Medlar Field in Lubrano Park at approximately 6:05 p.m.

The game can be watched worldwide on Pixellot’s MLB Draft League streaming platform at MLB.watch.pixellot.tv and in the Watch section of the MLB app by scrolling to the Watch Now tab, along with the “Listen Live” link on StateCollegeSpikes.com and the TuneIn Radio app.

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