STATE COLLEGE PA – Despite threatening skies and a slow start, the State College Spikes poured on late-inning offense to secure a 5-1 victory over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on June 18 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The game was officially called in the fifth inning due to heavy rain, but not before the Spikes staged a momentum-shifting rally that earned them a much-needed win.
The visiting Scrappers struck early, opening the scoring in the top of the first inning. After two quick outs, Kendrey Maduro laced a double to center and came around to score on an RBI double from Michal Sindelka, putting Mahoning Valley up 1-0. That would prove to be their only run of the evening, as Spikes starter Dayne Pengelly and reliever Bobby Olsen buckled down from there.
Pengelly kept the Spikes in the game through three innings before handing the ball to Olsen, who earned the win with a strong showing out of the bullpen. The Spikes’ offense, meanwhile, took a few innings to warm up, but once it did, it made the most of its opportunities.
The bottom of the fourth marked the turning point. With one out, Harrison Didawick singled, and Eric Colaco followed with a base hit of his own. A hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, and although Camden Ross grounded into a double play, Didawick came across to tie the game at 1-1.
That set the table for a fifth inning the Spikes won’t soon forget. Matt Evans drew a leadoff walk, then stole second base. Matthew Polk and Hugh Pinkney each walked to load the bases once again. Didawick stepped up and delivered a sharp single to right, driving in two and giving State College a 3-1 lead. A bunt from Colaco advanced the runners, and Quinn Bentley came through with a two-run single to left to extend the lead to 5-1. Ross was hit by a pitch to put runners back on base, though the frame ended with a double play.
On the mound, Olsen shut the door on the Scrappers, holding them hitless through his outing. He improved to 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA, while Scrappers reliever Mitch Dye took the loss after being tagged for all five runs in the bottom of the fifth.
Just as the Spikes took full control of the game, the skies opened up and forced an early finish. Still, the win counts the same in the standings, and for the home team, it was a strong showing on both sides of the ball. The Spikes now move to 4-4 on the season, while Mahoning Valley slips to 5-4.
