GRANVILLE, W. Va. – Justin Journette smashed the 22nd grand slam in State College Spikes history, Camden Ross added a three-run blast of his own, and the Spikes downed the West Virginia Black Bears, 11-4, on Sunday night at Kendrick Family Ballpark to get within 1 ½ games of an MLB Draft League Championship game berth with eight games left in the regular season.
The Spikes (21-17 2nd Half) are now chasing the Aberdeen IronBirds for the spot opposing the Williamsport Crosscutters in the MLB Draft League Championship Game on Wednesday, September 2 at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. The Crosscutters currently lead the league’s second-half standings, but would cede the berth for the second-half champion to the runner-up in the half if they finish atop the table at season’s end.
Journette’s slam to left field began the scoring in the first inning, and increased his homer total this year to eight. The slugger from Norfolk State joined Ross, who hit his own grand slam earlier this season on July 20 in Williamsport, on a illustrious list of Spikes that includes major leaguers Alex Dickerson, David Washington, Andy Young and Lars Nootbaar.
Ross then extended the Spikes’ lead to 7-3 with a 408-foot shot over the center field wall for his fifth homer of the year in the fifth.
West Virginia (17-22 2nd Half) threatened briefly with a three-run second before Charlie Smith (3-0) doused the flames, pitching 3 2/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to earn the win. Smith allowed three hits and struck out two batters.
Jett Buck and Jackson Rains aided the Spikes’ offensive cause with three hits each. Rains added a double and knoced in a run as well.
Black Bears starter Hunter Holzemer (4-2) took his first loss in over a month after being dinged for 10 runs, but just five of them earned, on eight hits and two walks over five innings. The left-hander struck out four batters in the effort.
Monday, the Spikes face the Black Bears at 6:00 p.m. for the second game of their three-game series at Kendrick Family Ballpark. State College will send left-hander Caleb Ruter (1-2) to the mound.
After the three-game set in West Virginia and an off day on Wednesday, the Spikes will return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Thursday night for the opener of a six-game series against the Williamsport Crosscutters to round out the regular season.
The skies will light up with a fantastic FIREWORKS show presented by Mount Nittany Health and the first 1,000 fans will receive a Nookie Monster Bobblehead Giveaway presented by McClure Company. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with early entry for Season Ticket holders and groups.
Plus, fans can participate in Music Bingo to the ballpark, presented by Timberland Federal Credit Union. Fans can pickMusic Bingo cards on their way into Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and listen for the walk-up music for players from both teams in the game - if you get BINGO, head to the Giant Customer Service Center for your fantastic prize.
It’s also a Thirsty Thursday presented by The BUS, with 12-oz. drafts just $2 apiece from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for all three home games remaining on the 20th Anniversary Season schedule, all now featuring FIREWORKS, 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 Black Bears on Monday 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 Kendrick Family Ballpark starting at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Audio streaming of every Spikes game, home and away, is available on StateCollegeSpikes.com.
