[{"id":3217,"link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/thunder-erupt-for-15-3-victory-over-spikes\/","name":"thunder-erupt-for-15-3-victory-over-spikes","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/7.19.2025-SCS-vs-WV-BB-69-scaled.webp","alt":""},"title":"Thunder Erupt for 15-3 Victory Over Spikes","author":{"name":"John Zangari","link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/author\/johnzangari-media\/"},"date":"Jul 24, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-07-24 17:03:03","modifiedDate":"2025-07-24 17:04:59","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-07-24 17:04:59","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":37},"status":"publish","content":"STATE COLLEGE, PA - The Trenton Thunder unleashed an offensive barrage to overwhelm the State College Spikes, claiming a commanding 15-3 win at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Wednesday night.\n\n\n\nThe Thunder wasted no time getting on the board, striking in the first inning when Connor Maryniak drove in John Schroeder with a single to center, giving Trenton a quick 1-0 advantage.\n\n\n\nTrenton truly broke the game open in the third, sending eight runs across the plate. The outburst was highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Jackson Tucker and RBI hits from Donovan Cash, Jared Beebe, Tyler Collins, and John Schroeder. By the end of the inning, the Thunder led 9-0.\n\n\n\nThe onslaught continued in the fourth as Cameron Yuran brought in Donovan Cash with a single. Jackson Tucker followed with a two-run single, and John Schroeder added another RBI single. A Spikes error extended the inning, and the Thunder advantage swelled to 13-0 before State College finally responded.\n\n\n\nThe Spikes broke through in the bottom of the fourth with a double by Adonis Forte and an RBI single from Cole Caruso. T.J. Salvaggio added a sacrifice fly in the fifth, cutting the deficit to 13-2.\n\n\n\nTrenton tacked on runs in the fifth, as Cameron Yuran\u2019s single brought in Connor Maryniak, and in the ninth, pinch hitter CJ Willis delivered an RBI single to make it 15-2. The Spikes plated a final run in the ninth on an RBI single from Dan Tauken, but the outcome was never in doubt.\n\n\n\nTrenton\u2019s pitching, led by winning pitcher M.T. Morrissey, kept State College in check for most of the evening. Ahmad Harajli took the loss for the Spikes.\n\n\n\nThe Thunder\u2019s explosive third and fourth innings set the tone for a decisive win and showcased their offensive firepower on the road. Sadly this ends The Spikes win streak. The Spikes hope to come back tonight against The Thunder in the second of their 5 game homestand."},{"id":3214,"link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/spikes-outslug-keys-in-wild-16-12-slugfest\/","name":"spikes-outslug-keys-in-wild-16-12-slugfest","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/7.19.2025-SCS-vs-WV-BB-26-scaled.webp","alt":""},"title":"Spikes Outslug Keys in Wild 16-12 Slugfest","author":{"name":"John Zangari","link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/author\/johnzangari-media\/"},"date":"Jul 23, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-07-23 14:13:03","modifiedDate":"2025-07-24 17:07:04","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-07-24 17:07:04","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":57},"status":"publish","content":"FREDERICK, MD - In a game where the scoreboard nearly overheated, the State College Spikes roared past the Frederick Keys with a 16-12 victory on Tuesday night, turning Nymeo Field into a highlight reel for anyone who loves offense.\n\n\n\nThe evening kicked off with the Keys grabbing an early lead, as Irvin Escobar (FRE) singled in the first before Cam Hassert (FRE) launched a two-run homer to right. The Spikes quickly found themselves down 2-0, but the fireworks were just getting started.\n\n\n\nThe Spikes clawed back in the second, as Dan Tauken (SC) singled and later came around to score on a fielder\u2019s choice grounded out by Adonis Forte (SC), trimming the deficit to 2-1.\n\n\n\nThe third inning saw the Keys widen the gap. Taj Bates (FRE) doubled home two runs and then scored on a sharp single from Isaiah Greene (FRE), pushing Frederick\u2019s advantage to 5-1. But the Spikes responded in a big way in the top of the fourth. After Cole Caruso (SC) walked, Manny Jackson (SC) crushed a two-run shot to right-center, bringing the Spikes within two.\n\n\n\nMomentum continued to shift in the fifth. The Spikes tied the game when Jaden Collura (SC) and Chenar Brown (SC) worked their way around the bases, capitalizing on a wild pitch and a groundout RBI by T.J. Salvaggio (SC). Then, after Cole Caruso (SC) doubled, Dan Tauken (SC) put State College ahead for the first time with a two-run blast to center. By the end of the inning, the Spikes were suddenly on top, 7-5.\n\n\n\nThe State College offense exploded for six more runs in the sixth. Key hits included T.J. Salvaggio (SC) singling to center field bringing in Trotter Boston (SC). Dan Tauken (SC) then singled to bring in T.J. Salvaggio (SC).  And finally Manny Jackson (SC) tripled on a ground ball bringing in Cole Caruso (SC) Dan Tauken (SC)  and himself via a throwing error! This brought the score to 13-5\n\n\n\nBut Frederick refused to go quietly. In their half of the seventh, Taj Bates (FRE) struck again, belting a two-run homer to chip away at the Spikes\u2019 cushion. The score sat at 13-7 heading to the final two innings.\n\n\n\nNot to be outdone, the Spikes padded their lead in the ninth. Adonis Forte (SC) tripled in two runs and scored moments later on a sacrifice fly by Trotter Boston (SC). That seemingly safe 16-7 lead, however, didn\u2019t last long.\n\n\n\nThe Keys\u2019 last-ditch rally made things tense for Spikes fans. Taj Bates (FRE), Devan Bade (FRE), and Irvin Escobar (FRE) all drove in runs, with Bade slugging a three-run homer to left-center that sent a jolt through the ballpark and cut the Spikes\u2019 lead to just four. But reliever Richie Cimpric (SC) shut the door, striking out Bronson Rivera (FRE) to end the game and secure a wild, hard-fought win.\n\n\n\nThe Spikes\u2019 offense was unstoppable, with multi-hit games up and down the lineup. Manny Jackson (SC) and Dan Tauken (SC) combined for eight RBIs, while Adonis Forte (SC) was a catalyst all night, reaching base, stealing bags, and crossing the plate multiple times.\n\n\n\nWith this explosive performance, the Spikes improved to 22-13 on the season full season (5-1 in the half season), showing that no lead is safe and no deficit too daunting for this relentless lineup. The win also gave Skyler Riedinger (SC) his first victory, while Paul Panduro (FRE) took the loss for the Keys.\n\n\n\nState College will look to keep the bats hot as they go back home for a 5 game homestand."},{"id":3211,"link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/spikes-continue-dominant-second-half-surge-with-road-victories\/","name":"spikes-continue-dominant-second-half-surge-with-road-victories","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/5O4A5069-scaled.webp","alt":""},"title":"Spikes Continue Dominant Second-Half Surge with Road Victories","author":{"name":"John Zangari","link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/author\/johnzangari-media\/"},"date":"Jul 22, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-07-22 12:54:03","modifiedDate":"2025-07-24 17:07:21","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-07-24 17:07:21","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":58},"status":"publish","content":"The State College Spikes have rebounded in emphatic fashion since dropping their season opener, rattling off four consecutive wins to surge to a 4-1 record in the second half of the season. Over the weekend, the Spikes traveled to Trenton, New Jersey, where they delivered back-to-back commanding performances against the Thunder. On Saturday, State College notched a decisive 7-1 victory, followed by a 6-1 win on Sunday\u2014both captured by Happy Valley Snapshot\u2019s own Juliette Phillips, who was on the scene to document the action.\n\n\n\nThe momentum carried into Maryland, where the Spikes edged the Frederick Keys in a thrilling 5-4 contest. The pivotal moment came in the top of the eighth inning, when Manny Jackson launched a clutch three-run home run to propel the Spikes to victory.\n\n\n\nState College concludes its road series in Maryland with one final matchup against the Keys tonight at 6 p.m. The team will then return home to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for a pivotal five-game homestand, welcoming the Thunder and the Williamsport Crosscutters.\n\n\n\nFor a closer look at the action, be sure to check out Juliette Phillips\u2019 photo gallery from the July 19, 2025, game below.\n\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/202839121@N02\/albums\/72177720327708947\/"},{"id":3206,"link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/spikes-dominate-black-bears-in-decisive-13-3-victory\/","name":"spikes-dominate-black-bears-in-decisive-13-3-victory","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/7.19.2025-SCS-vs-WV-BB-35-scaled.webp","alt":""},"title":"Spikes Dominate Black Bears in Decisive 13-3 Victory","author":{"name":"John Zangari","link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/author\/johnzangari-media\/"},"date":"Jul 19, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-07-19 21:29:00","modifiedDate":"2025-07-19 21:31:51","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-07-19 21:31:51","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":0},"status":"publish","content":"STATE COLLEGE PA - The State College Spikes put on a commanding display at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Friday Night, overwhelming the West Virginia Black Bears with a resounding 13-3 victory, punctuated by a remarkable seven-run outburst in the fourth inning.\n\n\n\nThe Spikes wasted no time seizing control in the opening frame. Cole Caruso ignited the offense with a sharp triple to right field, bringing home Gavin Lewis Jr. and Jakobi Davis. Moments later, Trotter Boston laced a double to right, driving in Caruso and capping a quick 3-0 lead.\n\n\n\nThe momentum continued in the third inning. Boston showcased his speed with a triple to center and scored on a single from Chenar Brown. Dan Tauken kept the rally going with a single to center, allowing Brown to cross the plate and extend the advantage to 5-0.\n\n\n\nThe Black Bears mounted a brief response in the top of the fourth. Drew Collins singled, then stole second and third. With two outs, Alex Rodgers reached on a throwing error by Caruso, which allowed both Kyle Ratliff and Collins to score, trimming the margin to 5-2.\n\n\n\nState College responded emphatically in the bottom half. Singles from Jakobi Davis, Caruso, and James Oman set the table, with Davis and Caruso both scoring. The fireworks continued as Dan Tauken crushed a massive home run to center, clearing the bases for himself, Brown, and Oman to make it 10-2. The Spikes\u2019 relentless attack didn\u2019t stop there\u2014Manny Jackson doubled, and Adonis Forte singled him home. Finally, Davis added another RBI single, bringing in Forte and closing the explosive inning at 12-2.\n\n\n\nThe Black Bears managed a final run in the fifth when Collins singled to bring in Cole Parker, but that would be the end of their scoring.\n\n\n\nThe Spikes tacked on their 13th run in the seventh as Tauken singled, driving in Brown. The remainder of the game saw a flurry of pitching changes and defensive swaps as State College efficiently closed out the contest.\n\n\n\nThe Spikes\u2019 offense was relentless, tallying 19 hits, with contributions from nearly every bat in the lineup. On the mound, Ahmad Harajli earned the win, tossing five strong innings and finishing with a 3.00 ERA.\n\n\n\nWith this dominant performance behind them, the Spikes look ahead to a weekend road series in Trenton, New Jersey, where they will face the Trenton Thunder on Saturday and Sunday.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/202839121@N02\/albums\/72177720327653237"},{"id":3198,"link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/the-spikes-fall-in-season-opener-but-were-reviewing-the-picnic-patio\/","name":"the-spikes-fall-in-season-opener-but-were-reviewing-the-picnic-patio","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_8265-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"The Spikes fall in season opener... but we're reviewing the picnic patio.","author":{"name":"John Zangari","link":"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/author\/johnzangari-media\/"},"date":"Jul 18, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-07-18 15:46:27","modifiedDate":"2025-07-18 15:49:32","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-07-18 15:49:32","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/happyvalleysnapshot.com\/category\/baseball\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Baseball<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":59},"status":"publish","content":"Let's get it out of the way, The State College Spikes lost their home opener 10-8 on Thursday to the West Virginia Black Bears.\n\n\n\nThe game was honestly spectacular. Lot of great hits, tense moments, and of course the Big Mac strikeout batter of the game. Our on the ground report found many fans screaming at the top of their lungs \"BIG MAC\" to get the hitter off his game and force him to strike out in the ninth inning. This means if you bring your Spikes ticket to a local mcdonalds in State College, Bellefonte or Milesburg you can redeem a free Big Mac! \n\n\n\nBut that's not fully what this article is about. You see, I was invited to the Picnic Patio for this game to enjoy some hot dogs and hamburgers under the sun at the ballpark with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts. And just incase you ever get invited in the future I wanted to let you know what to expect.\n\n\n\nIn short, the Picnic Patio is a great deal but has some drawbacks. \n\n\n\nLet's start with the obvious first thing, THE FOOD!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe food was awesome! The burgers were big and juicy, the hot dogs were well cooked, and the food quality overall was spectacular. For our price of $15 (price may vary due to your organizations requests) we had all you can eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta salad, regular salad, cookies, chips and drinks! And that $15 price included the game too! For the price of a large Big Mac meal at your McDonalds you got a baseball game and plenty of food and drinks to boot! The staff were lovely, bringing out fresh food when we ran out. One bummer is that the food does end somewhere between the 5th and 7th inning but quite frankly that's fine. By the time it ended I had my fill. \n\n\n\nMy only issue with the Picnic Patio really is just the seating. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe seating is plentiful out in the Picnic Patio area. However its the kind of seating that makes it troublesome. You see the \"picnic\" tables that they put out are these harsh grate coated metal tables. Now, for an outdoor pavilion where people would eat for an hour and be done these would be perfectly fine. But to watch a ballgame? These just hurt after an hour or two of sitting. The other issue is the direction. Only one half of the table can see the game. The other side of the table needs to fully turn around to see plays happen. And with little elevation you're just staring at the back of peoples heads the whole time. The game we went to lasted 3 hours and 10 or so minutes and by hour 2 and a half my butt was hurting. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe view from the area is great though! It's perfectly placed and we got to see great outfield players and could make out most of the plays at the plate.\n\n\n\nNow, you might be asking \"John if you're so critical of the seating what do you recomend?\" Great question. I personally would recomend what the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs do for their Picnic Patio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs arguably have a larger Picnic Patio but this concept could easily be thinned down to fit the stadium. Long rows with small bar style tables Infront of you and comfortable chairs that swivel to allow people to get in and out of their seats. You elevate each row so you're not having to stare at the back of peoples heads all game and wallah! You have a perfect Picnic Patio!\n\n\n\nDoes this critisim mean I hate the Picnic Patio. No. Do I not recomend buying picnic patio seats? No! I DO recomend it! It's a fun way to spend a night out with friends, have great food, and enjoy a baseball game. If you have a large group is a perfect way to get them all together to enjoy some baseball. It's also nice for families with todlers or kids who like to walk around and not be confined to a seat. Additionally, if you have friends not super into baseball this is a great way to get them to a ballpark, have some food, enjoy some of the game, and if they want to leave thats fine! They don't feel like they wasted their money because its cheap! \n\n\n\nI love the concept of Picnic Patios at baseball parks. While I do think there could be some improvements, it's overall a great experience.\n\n\n\nTonight the Spikes head into their second game against the West Virginia Black Bears. But more importantly.... It's Star Wars night! We're excited to cover the game and hope you can be there too!"}]