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MLBDL State College Spikes

Spikes Unleash Another Record-Setting Effort in 19-6 Win over Scrappers

July 6, 2022 - Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Spikes News Release


NILES, Ohio - For the second time in the 2022 season, the State College Spikes set a franchise record for runs in a single game as three home runs powered a 19-6 rout of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in a seven-inning game on Tuesday night at Eastwood Field.

The Spikes' (12-16) got it started with four runs in the first inning, capped by Will Simpson's Major League Baseball Draft League-leading fifth home run of the year. The two-run shot to left field off Mahoning Valley (13-16) starter Devin Crawford was measured at 403 feet, meaning all five of Simpson's home runs this season have surpassed 400 feet.

State College extended the lead to 9-0 by the fifth, but the Scrappers rallied for six runs in that frame. Bobby Sparling's grand slam to left was the big blast of the inning, drawing Mahoning Valley back in the game.

The Spikes put it away late, though, plating four runs in the sixth before a pair of three-run homers in the seventh off Cole Palpham gave the club another record. Alex Toral's shot to right-center field, his second of the year, went over the Eastwood Field scoreboard and was measured at a majestic 462 feet.

Ben Columbus landed the final blow, as he deposited a 1-0 pitch into the Mahoning Valley bullpen in right field for his first MLB Draft League homer.

The Spikes' scoring effort was made more noteworthy by the fact it was accomplished in only seven at-bats, as all Tuesday games during the first half of the MLB Draft League season, running until July 16, are seven innings in accordance with the league's player safety rules.

All Tuesday games during the season's second half from July 22 to the MLB Draft League Championship Game on September 6 will be nine innings.

With the victory, State College also clinched its fourth consecutive series victory on the road dating back to June 13.

Simpson reached base five times in the game as he went 3-for-3 with four runs batted in and added a walk and a time hit by pitch. Columbus brought in a total of five runs for the Spikes, while Lukas Cook went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI's.

Jared Kengott made a strong start on the mound for State College, holding the Scrappers hitless for four innings while yielding two walks and a hit batsman. Kengott also recorded a season-high six strikeouts, all in his last two innings of work.

Reliever Daniel Harper (1-0) went 1 2/3 innings to earn credit for the win. Harper allowed one hit and two walks while notching one strikeout.

Crawford gave up five runs on four hits and two walks in the loss. The right-hander struck out two batters in the effort.

Wednesday, the Spikes and Scrappers meet at 7:05 p.m. for a nine-inning matchup at Eastwood Field. Right-hander Thomas Wilhite gets the ball for State College, while right-hander Frank Elissalt () is set to go for Mahoning Valley.

The Spikes return home on Saturday, July 9 for the first NFT Classic. In a partnership that forges a new connection between baseball and the non-fungible token (NFT) space, the State College Spikes and Williamsport Crosscutters will each rebrand for the game.

The Spikes will become the State College DiamondDawgs, adopting the identity of the DiamondDawgs NFT's created by former Spikes player and current St. Louis Cardinals minor league player Evan Mendoza, while the Crosscutters will become the Williamsport Bored Apes, representing the Bored Ape Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious NFT collections.

Each jersey worn by the players and coaches of the DiamondDawgs and Bored Apes will highlight a different NFT in their respective collections. In addition, the proceeds from T-shirts showcasing each NFT collection, as well as the Spikes' 50/50 drawing for the night, will go towards the Little League of Sarasota, Fla., which is Mendoza's hometown.

Plus, it's Autism Acceptance Night at the ballpark, with post-game FIREWORKS presented by the Central PA Autism Community. It's also Clearfield County Night with a FREE Geisinger Kids Zone! throughout the night.

In addition, Kids Run the Bases returns after the game, presented by Mount Nittany Health.

Tickets for the historic NFT Classic, as well as every game on the Spikes' biggest regular season home schedule in franchise history, are available now. Tickets can be purchased by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting the Spikes Ticket Office in person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets, and view the full 2022 promotional schedule, at the only source for authentic Spikes tickets online by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.

More ticket packages, including Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2022 season, are currently on sale by calling the Spikes at (814) 272-1711. Additional information on all club ticketing options, as well as team news and schedule info, can be viewed at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Catch all of the action on Wednesday 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 at 6:50 p.m.

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.

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