MLBDL State College Spikes

Record-Setting 7,183 Fans Pack Ballpark for Spikes' Fourth of July Home Game

Published on July 4, 2021 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Happy Valley showcased their passion for the State College Spikes once again Sunday as they returned to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in full force for the Fourth of July. A crowd of 7,183 fans smashed the Spikes' all-time single-game attendance record and packed the ballpark to see the Spikes' home game against the Trenton Thunder.

The previous high-water mark for single-game attendance was 6,111, set on September 4, 2016 when the Spikes faced the Williamsport Crosscutters.

While the Spikes (14-20) fell to the Thunder (18-10) by a 12-3 score, the enthusiastic array of fans from across Happy Valley was enthralled by the signature brand of fun, affordable family entertainment the Spikes have brought to the area for 15 seasons, including the Central PA 4th Fest FIREWORKS after the game.

The PA Lottery also presented the fun of the 4th of July Celebration, which included a huge Kids Run the Bases Home Run Edition between the game and the fireworks show.

In game action, Nathan Church led the way for State College with three hits, including a double. Church knocked in the Spikes' first run with his two-bagger in the first, and increased his doubles count on the season to six to tie him for the team lead in that category.

The game was also special for two hometown boys, as State College natives Kevin Karstetter and Mason Mellott both got to play in front of the Spikes' largest-ever crowd. Karstetter led off and played third base while notching a walk in three plate appearances. Mellott, who also starred in the bullpen at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for the Penn State baseball team, tossed three innings on the mound.

The Thunder used a 16-hit attack to propel themselves to victory. Daniel Harris IV went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a run batted in, while Trenton catcher Andrew Cossetti reached base five times on two doubles and three walks. Cossetti also added an RBI.

Spikes reliever Andrew Moore, who remains the fastest pitcher in the Major League Baseball Draft League after throwing a recorded 98.3 miles per hour during the season, fired three one-hit innings to finish out the game. Moore struck out five batters as well.

State College starter Josh Culliver (0-2) took the loss. Culliver, who made his first Spikes start on Sunday, allowed three runs, all of them unearned, on four hits and three walks over two innings.

Trenton reliever Sam Strickland (1-0) picked up the win with three innings on the hill. Strickland allowed two runs, one of them earned on three hits and three walks while recording one strikeout.

Monday, the Spikes and Thunder meet at 4:05 p.m. on the observed Independence Day holiday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Starting pitchers have not yet been announced for the game.

It will be Old School Baseball Day at the ballpark, featuring a throwback game presentation and Trade-Any-Ticket Day. Fans can trade in any ticket they have at the Spikes Ticket Office, whether from another Spikes game, a football game, a carnival or even a parking ticket, and get a FREE Bullpen Box ticket for Monday's game.

Tickets for Monday's game are currently on sale through the Spikes Ticket Office. Tickets can be purchased by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting the Ticket Office in person from 9 a.m. to the end of the game on gamedays Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to the end of the game on gamedays Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on non-gamedays Monday through Friday.

Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Catch all of the action Monday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics, starting with Spikes Live, presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The game can be viewed worldwide on the MLB Draft League streaming platform at MLBDraftLeague.com/streaming, along with the "Listen Live" link on StateCollegeSpikes.com and the TuneIn Radio app.

Check out the State College Spikes Statistics

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Major League Baseball Draft League Stories from July 4, 2021


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