Spikes' Late Rally Falls Just Short in 5-4 Loss to Scrappers
MLBDL State College Spikes

Spikes' Late Rally Falls Just Short in 5-4 Loss to Scrappers

Published on August 15, 2025 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Spikes News Release


NILES, Ohio - The State College Spikes trailed by three runs entering the ninth inning but rallied to bring the go-ahead run to the plate before falling to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 5-4, on Friday night at Eastwood Field.

Down 5-2, the Spikes (11-17 2nd Half) started the ninth with Chenar Brown's single. Brown then stole second base before scoring on Conor Higgs's wall-ball double to right field to trim the margin to two runs. After a flyout, a wild pitch sent Higgs to third base before Dan Tauken's sacrifice fly to left field brought him home.

T.J. Salvaggio then delivered his second hit of the night with a single, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate in the person of Trotter Boston. However, Trey Cruz (1) was able to notch a game-ending strikeout to put it away for Mahoning Valley (10-19 2nd Half).

Brown, Higgs and Adam Paniagua also recorded multi-hit games for the Spikes, with Paniagua contributing a pair of doubles.

Starter Carter Holjes (1-2) went six innings for the Spikes but took the loss after yielding four runs on six hits, a walk and a hit batsman while striking out a season-high nine batters.

Tommy Rover delivered his second homer of the season for the Scrappers with a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning. Rover also doubled just inside the first-base bag in the sixth to bring home another run.

Mahoning Valley reliever Trent Harris (1-3) picked up the win with 1 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Harris allowed three hits and a walk while striking out three batters in the victory. Despite the late peril, Cruz recorded the last five outs for the save.

Saturday, the Spikes continue their road trip with the middle game of a three-game series at Eastwood Field against the Scrappers. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

After the series at Mahoning Valley, 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 Giveawaypresented 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 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 Eastwood Field starting at approximately 6:50 p.m.

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

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Major League Baseball Draft League Stories from August 15, 2025


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