Spikes Drop Series Finale to 'Potato Capers'

Last night, the State College Spikes came up short in the series finale, falling 8-6 to the Williamsport ‘Potato Capers’ (Crosscutters’ alternative identity). Here’s how it happened:

SPIKES STRIKE FIRST

Spikes’ second baseman Brock Wills came home to score the game’s first run off of a wild pitch in the top of the first inning. Third baseman Robert Hipwell contributed to the run total with a solo home run in the top of the second inning. RHP Jaxon Dalena helped hold down the fort for the first two frames, allowing 0 runs and striking out 1 batter during that span.

A DISASTROUS FOURTH

It all started when RHP Jaren Warwick came into the game for RHP Jaxon Dalena, allowing a single and a wild pitch after 1 at-bat. Chaos ensued after a ground out, allowing 7 runs to come across. Warwick allowed 5 walks and 3 hits in that span.

COMEBACK ATTEMPT FALLS SHORT

After chipping away with a run scored off of a wild pitch in the top of the 8th, the Spikes got to work in the top of the 9th. After loading the bases, Gray Thomas was replaced by Jimmy Romano on the mound. All three runs came across, but a Cameron Bufford 4-pitch strikeout sealed the deal for the ‘Potato Capers’.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

1B Riley Nelson, Potato Capers (Crosscutters)

• 3-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 XBH, 1 SB

PITCHER OF THE GAME

RHP Sam Swygert, Spikes

• 2 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

PITCHING DECISIONS

W: RHP Zachary Murray, Potato Capers/Crosscutters (5-1)

L: RHP Jaren Warwick, Spikes (2-1)

SV: RHP Jimmy Romano, Potato Capers/Crosscutters (4)

NEXT GAME

The Spikes head home to face the Frederick Keys on Saturday night. First pitch is at 6:35 PM. If you can’t make it to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, you can visit www.mlbdraftleague.com/live-streams for streaming info.