UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – For just the second time in the second half of the MLB Draft League season, the State College Spikes took a loss at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park as the Aberdeen IronBirds took a 17-2 decision in the opener of a three-game set on Friday night.
Despite the defeat, the Spikes (15-9 2nd Half) maintained first place in the league’s second-half standings with a 1 ½-game lead over the IronBirds (13-12 2nd Half). State College also still holds an 11-2 home record in the second half, and a 21-7 overall home record in their 20th Anniversary Season.
CJ Richmond notched his 41st RBI of the season with a run-scoring fielder’s choice in the third and stole his 20th base of the season later in the same inning. Camden Ross extended his on-base streak to 20 games with a pair of walks.
Isaiah Parido led the way for Aberdeen with four hits, including a triple and a solo home run in the eighth, his second of the year. Parido knocked in a total of six runs in the game. Luis De La Cruz also produced four hits, including a double, and Patrick McCullough finished just a home run shy of the cycle in a three-hit game.
Haden Luke (2-1) took the loss for State College after being charged with four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out three batters over 4 1/3 innings.
IronBirds starter Ethan Phillips (2-0) went 5 2/3 innings for the win. Phillips allowed two runs on three hits, five walks and a hit batsman while recording four strikeouts.
The Spikes and IronBirds will meet for the middle game of their three-game weekend series on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. State College will send left-hander Jackson Mayo (3-0) to the mound for his second start of the season against an as yet unnamed Aberdeen starter.
Join the Spikes in 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.
After the game, the skies will light up with a fantastic FIREWORKS show provided by Starfire Corporation.
Then on Sunday, 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, Sunday 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 Saturday and Sunday, kids 12 and under can participate in Kids Run the Bases presented by Mount Nittany Health.
Tickets for both remaining games this weekend, along with all 10 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 Saturday 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.
