MLBDL State College Spikes

Ward Continues Stellar Relief, Spikes Fall to Keys, 7-1

Published on June 17, 2023 under Major League Baseball Draft League (MLBDL)
State College Spikes News Release


FREDERICK, Md.-Ryan Wardfinished the game with two scoreless innings for the State College Spikes to continue his run of outstanding pitching, but the Frederick Keys' early lead stood up as the Spikes took a 7-1 defeat on Saturday night at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.

Ward, a right-hander from UTSA, faced just one batter over the minimum in his two innings on the mound. The San Antonio, Texas native recorded two strikeouts to up his season total to a Major League Baseball Draft League-leading 17 whiffs, tying him withZane Barnhartof Mahoning Valley andCarter Reesof West Virginia atop the leaderboard. Ward also reduced his earned run average to 1.64 over his six appearances totaling 11 innings.

State College (6-8) scored its lone run in the third whenCade Climiedoubled, advanced to third onAddison Smith's single, and scored onEthan Mendoza's groundout. Mendoza saw his six-game hit streak come to a close in the game.

Frederick (9-5) plated a run in the first onBrennan Orf's single, then scored three runs in the second, one onJohn Volpe's steal of home as the front end of a double steal with MLB Draft League stolen base leaderTervell Johnson.Logan Sandersthen lifted a two-run homer to left-center field in the third, andJevin Relafordsingled in the last run of the game in the fourth.

Volpe andAriel Antiguaeach produced three-hit games for Frederick.

Spikes starterKelan Hoover(0-2) took the loss after being charged with seven runs over 3 2/3 innings. Keys relieverRyan Harrahill(1-1) picked up the win with three scoreless innings of two-hit ball.

Sunday, the Spikes complete their six-game road trip as they look to salvage the finale of their three-game set against the Keys in a 1:00 p.m. matinee matchup at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Right-handerConnery Peters(1-0), whose 1.00 ERA is tied for seventh-best in the MLB Draft League, gets the ball for State College to oppose 6'7" Taiwanese right-handerChei-Wei Lin(0-0) for Frederick.

Following an off day on Monday, the Spikes will start a six-game homestand on Tuesday, June 20 with a matchup onWalking Taco Tuesdaypresented byBigfoot Country Legendsagainst the West Virginia Black Bears at 6:35 p.m.

Fans can also look forward to aSalute to Educatorson aWine Wednesdaypresented bySeven Mountains Wine CellarsandWOWY Radio, featuring half-price wine and Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Plus, theReturn of $1 Beer NightsonThirsty Thursday, presented byThe BUS, will quench the thirst for fans of age with $1 12-oz. select drafts and $2 12-oz. craft drafts available from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Highlights of the upcoming weekend home series from June 23-25 against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers includeStore Wars: Sheetz vs. Wawaon a4 for $44 Fridaypresented by93.7 3WZ, aSalute to John Williams FIREWORKS Showto cap offAdventure Nightpresented byThe Happy Valley Adventure Bureauon Saturday, and aSalute to Pickleballon Sunday.

Tickets for the upcoming homestand, as well as every game remaining on the Spikes' largest 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. until the end of the game on Saturday.

Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets, and view the full 2023 promotional schedule, by visitingStateCollegeSpikes.com.

More ticket packages, including Flex Books and an array of group and hospitality options for the 2023 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 the action of the Spikes' game on Sunday via theSpikes Radio Networkpresented byPenn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State AthleticswithJoe Putnamon the call. The broadcast starts withSpikes Live!presented byMount Nittany Health, on the air from Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium starting at approximately 12:45 p.m.

Check out the State College Spikes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Baseball Draft League Stories from June 17, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central