UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Caleb Ruter pitched five strong innings to lead the first-place State College Spikes to a three-game series sweep over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers with a 5-3 victory on Thursday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Ruter (1-2), a Colorado Mesa product, allowed just one run on four hits and four walks while striking out four batters over five innings of work to earn his first win for the Spikes (15-8 2nd Half).
The win ran the Spikes’ home record during the second half of the season to 11-1 and allowed them to extend their lead in the MLB Draft League second-half standings to 2 ½ games over the Aberdeen IronBirds.
Mahoning Valley (8-16 2nd Half) took the lead on Cooper Vance’s RBI single in the first before the Spikes responded in the fourth. Blake Bradford led off the inning with a single, then moved to second base when newcomer Jett Buck was hit with a pitch. After a flyout and a walk to Ryan Rivera that loaded the bases, Nyan Hayes’s infield single scored Bradford to tie the game.
Trent Turner’s ground ball fielder’s choice then brought in Buck to give State College the lead, followed by a wild pitch on ball four to CJ Richmond.
In the fifth, the Spikes added a pair of runs when Buck’s single and a subsequent error brought in Justin Journette, followed by Elie Kligman’s sacrifice fly to drive in Buck.
The Scrappers attempted to rally late, but were shut down by JJ Reyes (1), who allowed just one walk and struck out two batters in a four-out save.
Mahoning Valley starter Jay Newman (1-2) allowed all five Spikes runs, four of them earned on seven hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings. Newman struck out four batters in the effort.
Friday night, the Spikes start the second half of their six-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series with the IronBirds at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Right-hander Haden Luke (2-0) will get the starting assignment on the mound for State College.
Fans can enjoy 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.
In addition, it’s a 4-Pack Friday presented by 93.7 3WZ, with four of our best seats, four hot dogs and four regular sodas for just $54, and fans of age can enjoy a Michelob Ultra/Yuengling Happy Hour with both brands half-price from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 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 on a Super Saturday presented by the PA Lottery and Pop 93.3.
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 three games this weekend, along with all 11 remaining home games 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.
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 IronBirds on Friday 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.
