Spikes Fall to Scrappers in Ninth Inning, 6-5, on Saturday Night
MLBDL State College Spikes

Spikes Fall to Scrappers in Ninth Inning, 6-5, on Saturday Night

Published on August 16, 2025 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Spikes News Release


NILES, Ohio - In a back-and-forth battle on Saturday night at Eastwood Field, the State College Spikes took the lead in the eighth inning on Jaden Collura's RBI ground-rule double and a balk, only to see the Mahoning Valley Scrappers tie the game, then win on a third-strike wild pitch in the ninth, 6-5.

In a game that featured four lead changes, the Spikes (11-18 2nd Half) took a 3-1 lead behind Adam Paniagua's RBI groundout in the second, Cole Caruso's two-out RBI double in the third, and Adonis Forte's run-scoring single in the fifth.

However, Mahoning Valley (11-19 2nd Half) answered with three runs in the fifth. Dreylin Holmes delivered a two-out, two-run single to left-center field to tie the game before an error allowed him to score with the go-ahead run.

In the eighth, Dan Tauken led off for the Spikes with an infield single on a high chopper to second base. After Chenar Brown pinch-ran and advanced to second on a groundout, Collura's double to left-center field one-hopped the wall to bring in Brown and tie the game.

Collura then advanced to third base on a flyout and was sent home after pitcher Clayton Boroski feinted a throw to second base, which was unoccupied, and was called for a balk.

The Scrappers tied the game again when Theo Bryant scored from second on an error on an attempted double-play ball in the eighth. In the ninth, the Spikes nearly took the lead again on T.J. Salvaggio's single to left, but Conor Higgs was thrown out at the plate on a throw from left fielder Chase Nixon to catcher Matt Rivera.

Carson Hornung then singled with one out in the bottom of the ninth, advanced to third on Tommy Rover's double off the short wall in right field and scored when the third strike to Rivera went wild.

Salvaggio and Trotter Boston each produced multiple hits for the Spikes, with Salvaggio raising his batting average to .303 just 20 days after it was stuck at .087.

Mahoning Valley reliever Nathan Shane (1-1) picked up the win, while Jeff Heinrich (0-1) took the loss.

Sunday, the Spikes finish their six-game road trip with the finale of their three-game series against the Scrappers at Eastwood Field. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. in matinee matchup.

After the series at Mahoning Valley, and a league-wide off day on Monday, the Spikes will return home to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for a stretch of eight home game in ten days starting on Tuesday, August 19.

Highlights of the remainder of the Spikes home schedule include Elgses Night with a Jersey-off-the-Back Auction to benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation and Central PA Autism Community, an Elgses T-Shirt Giveaway, and more Philly-centric fun on Saturday, August 23, two more FIREWORKS From the Field opportunities for the first 150 fans with FIREWORKS shows presented by Penn State Health on Saturday, August 23 and by Starfire Corporation on Thursday, August 28, the Guy Gadowsky Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Centre Dental Care by Dr. Carnicella on Thursday, August 28, Paint the Park Purple presented by Juniper Village with a Purple T-Shirt Giveaway on Sunday, August 24, Sylly Day with an 11:11 a.m. start on Monday, August 25, and the full gamut of Daily Value Promotions.

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.

Tickets for the 2025 MLB Draft League Championship Game, featuring Dollar Dog Night while supplies last, free admission for all students thanks to the Spikes in partnership with Penn State SPA - The Student Programming Association, and Thirsty Thursday presented by The BUS while supplies last, are $10 apiece for every available ballpark seat, and can be purchased online at StateCollegeSpikes.com or through the Spikes Ticket Office.

Tickets to the last eight games remaining on the Spikes' 2025 regular season home schedule and the 2025 MLB Draft League Championship Game 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 Scrappers on Sunday 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 Eastwood Field starting at approximately 1:50 p.m.

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

Check out the State College Spikes Statistics

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Major League Baseball Draft League Stories from August 16, 2025


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