University Park, Pa. - Jake Zitella’s two RBI triple in the eighth inning turned out to be the game-winning hit as the Williamsport Crosscutters defeated the State College Spikes 4-3 on Wednesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to split the two-game series.
In addition to his triple, Zitella also added a double on a 2-for-4 night.
James McCoy homered for the second time in as many nights, a solo shot that gave him his 40th RBI of the season.
Despite the 0-for-2 night, Chris Stanfield accounted for half of the Williamsport runs, going 0-2 with two walks and reaching on a fielder’s choice. Stanfield also stole two bases in the victory.
Nick Barone also had a productive 0-for-2 night as he reached on an intentional walk and scored and also added an RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Josh Willitts got the start for Williamsport on the mound and took a perfect game into the fifth inning before surrendering a double. He would be lifted without recording an out in the seventh inning after giving up two runs on three hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Tyler Muscar entered in relief of Willitts and only managed 2/3 of an inning, allowing a run with a walk, two hit by pitches, and a strikeout and was charged with a blown save.
Matthew Mariano earned the win, moving to 3-0 on the season, going the final 2.1 innings allowing no hits with just one walk and striking out six.
With this short two-game series now complete, the Williamsport Crosscutters continue the nine-game, ten-day road trip by heading to Granville, West Virginia to open a three-game series at the West Virginia Black Bears. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Kendrick Family Ballpark on Thursday.
Cutters Carvings - As a staff, Williamsport retired 14 Spikes via the strikeout tonight... Williamsport was 2-for-11 at the plate with runners in scoring position... Tonight's game included a 30 minute pregame delay due to storms in the area that ultimately did miss the ballpark...
