After a quick getaway for a much-needed camping trip, Happy Valley Snapshot is back and ready to dive into all the Spikes action you may have missed — though nature (and some inclement weather) had other plans, too. Two of the weekend games — Friday, June 13 and Sunday, June 15 against the West Virginia Black Bears — were officially canceled due to inclement weather. That left just two matchups on the docket since we last posted. Here’s a full breakdown of how those games unfolded:
June 12: Spikes 8, Keys 4 – Balanced Attack Fuels Road Victory
The State College Spikes put together one of their most well-rounded offensive performances of the season in an 8–4 win over the Frederick Keys at Nymeo Field.
Hugh Pinkney kicked things off early with an RBI single in the top of the first, scoring Cole Pladson, who had walked and stolen second. Though the Keys tied it quickly, the Spikes responded in the second when Camden Ross scored on a groundout by Javon Hernandez.
After exchanging more runs in the early innings — including a two-run homer by the Keys’ Dawson Willis in the fourth — the game tilted in the Spikes’ favor when Cole Pladson blasted his first home run of the season, a two-run shot that extended the lead to 5–2.
In the sixth, the Spikes added insurance with a patient and tactical approach. Walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a sac fly from Harrison Didawick helped plate two more, followed by another RBI single from Didawick in the eighth. The bullpen, led by Tom Sun (who earned the win), and Chase Horst in the ninth, closed the door with a steady hand.
Final Line: Spikes 8, Keys 4
Winning Pitcher: Tom Sun (1-0)
Notables:
- Pladson: HR, 3 RBI
- Pinkney: 3 hits, 1 RBI
- Didawick: 2 RBI
June 14: Black Bears 2, Spikes 1 – A Gritty Duel Ends in Heartbreak
The lone game of the weekend that actually took place was a tough one for the Spikes, who dropped a tight 2–1 decision on the road against the West Virginia Black Bears.
After falling behind 1–0 in the second inning thanks to an RBI double by Judah Morris, the Spikes battled through a pitcher’s duel to even things up in the seventh. Eric Colaco stole both second and third after a single, then scored on a clutch hit from Landen Johnson to tie the game 1–1.
But West Virginia quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. A single from Jonny McGill, aided by a deflection, brought home what would ultimately be the game-winning run. Despite solid relief work from Evan Hamberger and some opportunities late, the Spikes couldn’t bring another runner across.
Final Line: Black Bears 2, Spikes 1
Losing Pitcher: Jason Shockley (0-1)
Notables:
- Colaco: 2 SB, 1 run
- Johnson: 1 RBI
- McGill: Game-winning RBI single
Stay tuned as the Spikes return home and look to bounce back from a weather-logged weekend. The Spikes take on the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Tuesday June 17th through Thursday Thursday June 19th, and the Trenton Thunder from Friday June 20th through Sunday June 22nd.
