STATE COLLEGE, PA — The State College Spikes clawed back from a three-run deficit and stunned the West Virginia Black Bears in walk-off fashion Saturday night, securing a 5-4 victory at Medlar Field
After trailing 4-1 through five innings, the Spikes chipped away with runs in the sixth and eighth before delivering the final blow in a wild bottom of the ninth. With two outs and the bases loaded, Ryan Rivera’s routine ground ball turned chaotic when a fielding error by second baseman Mario Magana allowed both the tying and winning runs to cross the plate.
The comeback victory marked the Spikes’ first win of the season, improving them to 1-2, while the Black Bears dropped to 2-2.
Game Recap
The Black Bears came out swinging, scoring once in the first and adding two more in the second, capped by Harrison Didawick’s RBI triple. By the third, they led 4-1 after a stolen base by Magana helped manufacture another run.
State College stayed within reach thanks to timely hits and small-ball execution. Merik Carter plated Mario Magana in the second to get the Spikes on the board. In the sixth, a wild pitch brought home Javon Hernandez, trimming the deficit to 4-2.
The eighth inning saw the Spikes capitalize on another opportunity. After Hugh Pinkney’s RBI double scored Rivera, the Spikes inched closer at 4-3.
Then came the bottom of the ninth. After loading the bases on a walk, a pair of wild pitches, and another walk, State College still needed a spark. Rivera stepped to the plate and hit what should’ve been the final out — but Magana’s misplay sealed the Black Bears’ fate and sent the home crowd into celebration.
Rodney Shultz earned the win in relief for the Spikes, tossing a clean ninth inning. Cannon Pickell was charged with the loss after surrendering two walks and the decisive error-induced runs. Despite neither reliever allowing an earned run, late-game pressure proved costly for the visitors.
Key Players
- Ryan Rivera (SC): Scored twice, walked, and put the ball in play for the game-winning error.
- Merik Carter (SC): Reached base twice and scored a run.
- Hugh Pinkney (WV): Delivered a clutch RBI double in the ninth, briefly widening the gap.
- Javon Hernandez (SC): Doubled, stole a base, and scored a critical run in the sixth.
The Spikes will look to build momentum as they continue their homestand Sunday at 6:35pm with the series tied at one a piece.
📸 Full photo gallery from tonight’s thrilling victory is available below.
