UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Justin Journette’s sacrifice fly in the seventh brought in the go-ahead run as the State College Spikes maintained their lead in the MLB Draft League’s second-half standings and captured a series victory against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers with a 4-3 win on Wednesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
The Spikes (14-8 2nd Half) responded after Mahoning Valley (8-15 2nd Half) broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh on Zion Williams’s RBI triple and Kaikea Harrison’s run-scoring single through a drawn-in infield. Ryan Rivera started the charge with a double to left field, then scored on Nyan Hayes’s RBI single. After Trent Turner singled Hayes to second, Hayes stole third base one pitch before CJ Richmond drew a walk.
Camden Ross was then hit by a pitch to notch his 33rd RBI of the season the hard way and tie the game before Journette’s fly ball to left field scored Turner with the eventual winning run just moments before Richmond was thrown out at third.
Journette also drove in the Spikes’ first run with a two-out single in the first.
With the win, the Spikes kept a 1 ½-game lead over the Aberdeen IronBirds in the MLB Draft League second-half standings.
State College reliever Charlie Smith (2-0) picked up the win after pitching the seventh inning for the Spikes. Patrick Morris (4) allowed one hit and one walk but notched all three outs via strikeout in the ninth for the save.
Mahoning Valley reliever Nick Anello (0-3) took the loss after being charged with all three Spikes runs in the seventh.
The Spikes will seek a sweep of their three-game series against the Scrappers on Thursday night with a 6:35 p.m. game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Left-hander Caleb Ruter (0-2) will make the start on the mound for State College, while Mahoning Valley will go with right-hander Jay Newman (1-1).
Fans of age can enjoy the best Thursday night beverage deal in Happy Valley on Thirsty Thursday presented by The BUS, with $2 12-oz. drafts available around the ballpark from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Spikes will then face the IronBirds for a three-game series in the second half of the homestand as the weekend will feature the return of Youth Sports Night. Members of youth sports teams in the area can get discounted tickets for the game, and any player wearing their jersey to a Youth Sports Night game will be able to get a discount at the Spikes Ticket Office, along with a Bat and Ball Set Giveaway for the first 100 kids 12 and under wearing their jersey.
Saturday, August 8, the Spikes will host the National Coffee Month Celebration as the first 500 fans will receive a Spikes Coffee Mug Giveaway presented by W.C. Clarke’s The Cheese Shoppe to mark a caffeinated (or decaf if you prefer) night at the ballpark.
Then, on Sunday, August 9, the Spikes will welcome at two-time National Champion wrestler with a Mitchell Mesenbrink Appearance presented by Lion Country Kia at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Mesenbrink, who has helped lead the way to three team national titles on the mat as well, will sign autographs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., taking time out to throw out the game’s first pitch.
In addition, the first 500 fans through the gates when they open at 5:30, with early admission for Season Ticket holders and groups, will receive a Mitchell Mesenbrink T-Shirt presented by Lion Country Kia.
Plus, August 9 is the final Bark in the Park of the season presented by Plum Pristine Clean and Timberland Federal Credit Union. Fans can bring their four-legged friend as the ballpark goes to the dogs.
After the games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, kids 12 and under can participate in Kids Run the Bases presented by Mount Nittany Health.
Tickets for all four games remaining in the current homestand, along with all 13 remaining home games on the 20thAnniversary Season schedule, are available by calling 814-271-1711 or by visiting the Spikes Ticket Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with hours during home game days of 10 a.m. to the end of the game Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to the end of the game on Saturday and Sunday.
Spikes fans can also celebrate the final month of the 20th Anniversary Season with 20% off single-game tickets and select Luxury Suites at the ballpark with the 20/20 Special presented by The Clubhouse Family Fun Centre at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre.
That's not just 20% off Diamond Club, Field Box, Bullpen Box and Outfield Bleacher seats - even select Luxury Suites from Tuesday to Thursday are 20% off for every remaining home game in our 20th Anniversary Season.
Use promo code AUGUST20 by phone at 814-272-1711, at the Spikes Ticket Office, or click this link: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=19353&promocode=AUGUST20
Fans can use promo code AUGUST20 to buy and download single-game tickets, and view the 2026 promotional schedule, by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com
Catch all the action of the Spikes’ game against the Scrappers on Thursday via the Spikes Radio Network presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics with Steve Jones and Joe Putnam on the call. The broadcast starts with Spikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health on the air from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park starting at approximately 6:05 p.m.
Audio streaming of every Spikes game, home and away, is available on StateCollegeSpikes.com.
