TRENTON, N.J. – Nyan Hayes produced the State College Spikes’ fourth four-hit game of the 2026 season, and Camden Ross extended his hitting streak to 14 games, but the Trenton Thunder used a four-run first inning to build a 9-4 win on Thursday night at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
Hayes, who has now notched four games with three or more hits for the Spikes (11-7 2nd Half), produced a quartet of singles over his last four at-bats. The Oregon State product also recorded his 10th RBI of the season and stole his fifth base.
Ross had drawn one walk over his first four plate appearances, but no hits, and needed CJ Richmond to get on base in the ninth to give him another opportunity. After Richmond doubled to center field, Ross capitalized on the chance with a single up the middle to score him and continue the longest active hitting streak by a current MLB Draft League player.
Trenton (10-8 2nd Half), playing in another alternate identity as the Garden State Furious Finches on Thursday, advanced to within a game of the MLB Draft League second-half standings lead currently held by the Spikes. Four runs on four hits, none of which exceeded 87 miles per hour in exit velocity, enabled the Thunder to take the lead.
Julian Swift hit his second home run of the year for Trenton, a solo shot to left field in the second, to make it a 5-0 game.
Spikes starter Caleb Ruter (0-2) took the loss after being charged with seven runs, six of them earned, over 2 1/3 innings.
Thunder reliever Gerald Hanson (1-0) entered the game with two runners on in the fifth and allowed just one of them score to pick up the win.
The game was delayed one hour, 37 minutes at the outset by showers that passed through the Trenton area and did not end until after midnight on Friday.
The Spikes and Thunder will reconvene later Friday for a 7:00 p.m. matchup at Trenton Thunder Ballpark that will serve as the finale of their three-game series. Right-hander Haden Luke (1-0) will get the start on the mound for State College, while Trenton is scheduled to give the ball to right-hander Connor Godwin (0-0).
Following the five-game road trip that includes a two-game weekend set against the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Spikes will return home to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for a six-game homestand from August 4-9, with three games against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and three against the IronBirds. All six games will begin at 6:35 p.m.
The homestand begins with Walking Taco Tuesday presented by Bigfoot Country Legends, featuring half-price Walking Tacos at the Salsa concession stand all game long, plus a half-price Miller Lite and Coors Light Happy Hourfor fans of age from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The homestand continues with Glizzy and Wine Wednesday presented by Seven Mountains Wine Cellars featuring half-price Hot Dogs all game long and half-price Seven Mountains Wine Cellars wine and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Thirsty Thursday presented by The BUS featuring $2 12-oz. drafts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The weekend will feature the return of Youth Sports Night, as 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.
Tickets for all six games in the upcoming homestand, along with every remaining home game on the 20th Anniversary 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.
Fans can also 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 Thunder on Friday via the Spikes Radio Network presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics with Joe Putnam on the call. The broadcast starts with Spikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health on the air from Trenton Thunder Ballpark starting at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Audio streaming of every Spikes game, home and away, is available on StateCollegeSpikes.com.
