GRANVILLE, W.Va. – After a tough series against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers that resulted in a sweep, the West Virginia Black Bears continued their struggles in the opening game of the series against the State College Spikes at Monongalia County Ballpark on Tuesday evening. Despite the Bears’ defense holding the Spikes to two runs, the Bears were unable to get anything going offensively in the 2-0 loss.

State College struck first in the top of the first inning after a throwing error from Black Bears SS Sam Antonacci advanced a Spikes runner across home plate to give them a 1-0 lead. 

After four consecutive scoreless innings, the Spikes added to their lead with an RBI single to put them up 2-0 in the top of the sixth.

Defensively, West Virginia played a tight game. Starting pitcher Jay Schueler finished his second appearance for the Bears with only three hits and one earned run through four innings. The Black Bears bullpen allowed just six hits and two runs, with former Mountaineer Zach Ottinger and RHP Will Schomberg closing out their single-inning appearances with no hits or walks. Unfortunately, the Black Bears’ offense never gained traction and finished the game with a mere three hits through seven innings played. 

West Virginia falls to 2-9 on the season but returns for the second game of the series against State College on Wednesday for Ladies’ Night at Monongalia County Ballpark. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.