TRENTON, N.J. – The State College Spikes saw their four-game winning streak fall by the wayside as the Trenton Thunder took the series finale, 12-5, on Sunday afternoon at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
Jorge Cartagena notched his first extra-base hit for the Spikes (6-9) with a double in the sixth inning, and four different State College players – Cartagena, Will Simpson, Lukas Cook and Ryan Blackwell – collected multiple hits in the game.
Blackwell also doubled in the seventh inning, while Ty Hill knocked in a pair of runs for the Spikes.
State College took a 4-0 lead through the first two innings behind Hill’s single in the first to bring in Keshawn Ogans, Cook’s RBI single to right in the second, a Trenton (7-8) error and an Ogans sacrifice fly in the second.
Trenton used a trio of big innings to come back and pull away, plating three runs in the fourth, three in the sixth, and five in the eighth capped by Ryan McCarthy’s three-run homer to right field, his first of the season.
Spikes starter **Mason Olson allowed his first earned run of the year on a double play ball in the third, scattering four hits and two walks while striking out two batters. Josh Bortka **(0-1) took the loss after being charged with three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four batters over 1 2/3 innings.
Thunder reliever **Dan Kiritsis **(1-1) picked up the win after tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Kiritsis gave up one hit and one walk in the victorious effort.
Despite the loss, the Spikes went 4-1 on the jaunt through West Virginia and Trenton, outscoring their opponents 48-30 not including a 3-0 lead when Thursday's game at West Virginia was suspended in the fourth inning.
The Spikes now return home to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Monday night to start a six-game homestand with a 6:35 p.m. matchup against the Frederick Keys. Emporia State (Kan.) right-hander Jared Kengott (0-0) is slated to get his third start and fourth overall mound appearance for the Spikes, while the Keys are scheduled to send right-hander Alan Saathoff (1-0) to the mound.
Fans will enjoy a variety of fun, affordable family entertainment over the six-game homestand, starting with the return of Buck Monday at the ballpark. Get into the game with $1 Outfield Bleacher seats, then feast on $1 hot dog and $1 popcorn all game long.
Plus, it’s Would You Rather? Night, as fans will be able to make their choices on a variety of interesting scenarios at the ballpark and on Spikes social media throughout the night.
Highlights of the remainder of the homestand include Yoga Night on International Yoga Day, with a Yoga Night Ticket Package, featuring admission to Pregame Yoga in Porter Gardens presented by TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania, on **PA Bus Association Night **this Tuesday, June 21, the return of **Thirsty Thursday **on **Singles Night **Thursday, June 23, and a fantastic post-game **FIREWORKS **show presented by The Meadows on First Responders Night Saturday, June 25.
In addition, the Spikes are giving fans the opportunity to get their tickets at half-price for select theme nights during the upcoming homestand.
The half-price fun beings on Tuesday, June 21, with PA Bus Association Night, celebrating 100 years of the PA Bus Association. All bus drivers can get half-price tickets in person, by phone or online with promo code WHEEL.
Then on Wednesday, June 22, it's our Salute to Educators, and everyone in our local education systems can enjoy half-price tickets by using promo code **APPLE **in person, by phone or online.
On Friday, June 24, the slate of half-price nights continues on Jersey Night, when the Spikes take on the Trenton Thunder. Fans can get half-price tickets for that game by wearing a jersey to the game, presenting a form of New Jersey ID, or by using promo code** JERSEY**.
Finally, on Saturday, June 25, it's First Responders Night at Medlar Field, and we're showing our appreciation for the brave police, fire and EMT personnel in our communities by offering them half-price tickets in person, by phone and online with promo code RESPOND.
All half-price specials exclude Rail Kings seats, Pepsi Picnic Pavilion seats and Geisinger Champions Club luxury suites.
Tickets for the Spikes’ next homestand, as well as every game on the Spikes’ biggest regular season home schedule in franchise history, are available now. Tickets can be purchased by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting the Spikes Ticket Office in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets, and view the full 2022 promotional schedule, by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.
More ticket packages, including Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2022 season, are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options, as well as team news and schedule info, can be viewed at StateCollegeSpikes.com.
Catch all of the action on Sunday 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 at approximately 6:10 p.m.
The game can be viewed worldwide on the MLB Draft League streaming platform at MLBDraftLeague.com/streaming, along with the “Listen Live” link on StateCollegeSpikes.com and the **TuneIn Radio **app.
