Spikes Set The Tone in Opening Shutout Win

Last night, the State College Spikes took Game 1 of a crucial four-game set with the top team in the MLB Draft League, the Williamsport Crosscutters, by a score of 3-0. Here’s the breakdown:

ULLOA GOES THE DISTANCE

RHP Fidel Ulloa pitched 5 scoreless innings in his second start with the Spikes this season. He tossed 83 pitches, 52 of them strikes, and struck out 4 batters while walking 3. His performance garnered a post-game interview from Joe Putnam, as well as recording his first win of the season.

OUTFIELDER HEROICS

Despite a lackluster performance at the plate, LF Samuel Benjamin still delivered with a web-gem lineout catch in the top of the 6th inning. CF/LF Tyson Bass drove in 1 of the 3 Spikes runs of the game with an RBI single in the bottom of the 2nd inning. RF Hayden Moore also got in on the fun, crossing home plate in the bottom of the 4th inning.

PURNELL FINISHES THE JOB

After a shutdown performance on Friday, Blake Purnell recorded another save, his 3rd of the season in 10 appearances. Brandon Bergert and Sam Swygert were both credited with holds. The Spikes improved to 8-1 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this season after a low-scoring thriller.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

3B Robert Hipwell

• 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 XBH

PITCHER OF THE GAME

RHP Fidel Ulloa

• 5 IP, 1 H, 4 SO, 3 BB, 0 ER

PITCHING DECISIONS

W: RHP Fidel Ulloa, Spikes (1-0)

L: RHP Connor Shouse, Crosscutters (1-1)

SV: RHP Blake Purnell (3)

NEXT GAME

The Spikes host the Crosscutters to wrap up their home part of the series on Wednesday, July 3. First pitch is at 6:35 PM ET. If you can't make it to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, head to www.mlbdraftleague.com/live-streams for streaming info.