State College PA – The Frederick Keys built a commanding lead with a five-run fifth inning and held off a late State College Spikes rally to secure an 8-5 win on Tuesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Frederick struck first in the second when Taj Bates doubled home Anthony Diaz after a walk and a stolen base. The game remained tight until the fifth, when the Keys took advantage of two State College errors. Walter Urbon scored after a throwing error by third baseman Quinn Bentley, and Taj Bates advanced on a second error by first baseman Landen Johnson. Tervell Johnson’s single brought in Bates, and a walk to Eddie Hacopian loaded the bases. After another error allowed Tervell Johnson to score, Anthony Diaz delivered a two-run single to cap the inning and make it 6-0.
Frederick continued to apply pressure in the sixth. After a walk and a double, Shane Lewis singled home two more runs, stretching the lead to 8-0.
The Spikes got on the board in the bottom of the sixth. Javon Hernandez singled and moved up on a wild pitch. After a walk and a sacrifice bunt, two more walks and a wild pitch allowed Ryan Rivera to score the Spikes’ first run.
The Spikes broke through for four runs in the eighth, capitalizing on Frederick’s shaky relief and defensive miscues. Three straight walks loaded the bases, and a wild pitch let Rivera score. Quinn Bentley’s single brought home two, and another single from Cole Pladson made it 8-5. However, Jack Bowery entered in relief and retired Hernandez to end the inning.
In the ninth, Bowery retired the side in order to earn the save and secure the win for Frederick. David Shaw started and earned the victory for the Keys, while Ahmad Harajli took the loss for State College.
Frederick finished with eight runs on ten hits and two errors, while the Spikes were held to five runs on eight hits but committed four errors, three of which directly contributed to Keys’ rallies.
This loss leaves The Spikes tied for the lead in the league with the West Virginia Black Bears, both having a 14-11 season so far. However the Scrappers have one more with but also one more loss coming in at 15-12. The Spikes continue their homestand against The Keys tonight.
