Spikes' Comeback Effort Falls Short in 10-8 Defeat against Black Bears
MLBDL State College Spikes

Spikes' Comeback Effort Falls Short in 10-8 Defeat against Black Bears

July 18, 2025 - Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Spikes News Release


UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Trailing 9-2 entering the sixth inning, the MLB Draft League First Half Champion State College Spikes came back to within a run and brought the tying run to the plate on multiple occasions but fell to the West Virginia Black Bears, 10-8, on Thursday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in their second half opener.

The Spikes (0-1 2nd Half), who will host the MLB Draft League Championship Game on Thursday, September 4 against the second half champions, used a five-run sixth inning to erase much of their deficit. After back-to-back walks to start the inning, Jakobi Davis started the flurry with a one-out RBI single. Following another walk, Trotter Boston drew a free pass with the bases loaded and a passed ball scored Davis to cut the margin to 9-5.

Cole Caruso then knocked in two runs with a single up the middle before plating State College's last run with his fourth hit of the night, a single to left to score Boston in the eighth.

West Virginia (1-0 2nd Half) scored an insurance run in the ninth on a fielder's choice that scored Jake Berg to bump their lead back to two runs before the Spikes went down in order in the ninth.

The Black Bears' Judah Morris became the second MLB Draft League player to hit two home runs in the same game this season as he launched a 418-foot three-run homer off the batter's eye in center field in the first, followed by a line-drive two-run homer to right field in the fourth. Morris went 3-for-4 at the plate but was forced to leave the game in the sixth after taking an awkward step onto a piece of a broken bat at first base.

Adonis Forte doubled twice for the Spikes to aid the offense.

Spikes starter Dillon Fischer (0-1 2nd Half) took the loss after allowing five runs over three innings, though he retired the last five batters he faced.

Black Bears starter Daniel Kanagy (1-0 2nd Half) earned the win after striking out seven batters over 5 1/3 innings. Joe Steeber (1 2nd Half) notched the final six outs for the save.

Friday, the Spikes and Black Bears finish up what became a two-game series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park with a 6:35 p.m. matchup.

Fans can enjoy a fantastic post-game FIREWORKS show presented by Penn State Health after the game on Star Wars Night at the ballpark. The festivities will include Local Fan Costumers on hand portraying characters as Star Wars music and clips echo throughout the galaxy during the night. The night also features even more out-of-this-galaxy fun, with proceeds from the night's Spikes 50/50 Drawing benefiting the Centre County United Way.

Plus, it's a 4-Pack Friday presented by 93.7 3WZ with four of our best seats, four hot dogs and four regular sodas available for just $54 in person at the Spikes Ticket Office or by phone at 814-272-1711. After the game, it's Kids Run the Bases presented by Mount Nittany Health.

It all leads to the 2025 MLB Draft League Championship Game on Thursday, September 4 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, featuring the Spikes taking on the MLB Draft League second half champions for the overall crown. Fans can stay tuned for ticket and promotional information on the MLB Draft League Championship Game as they make their plans to be at the ballpark on September 4.

Tickets to Friday's game, as well as every game remaining on the Spikes' 2025 regular season home schedule, are available by calling 814-271-1711 or by visiting the Spikes Ticket Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with hours during home game days of 9 a.m. to the end of the game Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to the end of the game on Saturday and Sunday.

Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets, and view the 2025 promotional schedule, by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Catch all of the action of the Spikes' game against the Black Bears on Friday via the Spikes Radio Network presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics with Joe Putnam on the call. The broadcast starts with Spikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health on the air from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park starting at approximately 6:05 p.m.

Audio streaming of every Spikes game, home and away, is available on StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Check out the State College Spikes Statistics



Major League Baseball Draft League Stories from July 18, 2025


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