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MLBDL State College Spikes

Wilhite Superb as Spikes' Late Rally Falls Short in 3-1 Loss to Scrappers

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


NILES, Ohio - Thomas Wilhite started the game with four hitless innings for the State College Spikes, and the Spikes put the go-ahead run on base in the ninth before falling to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 3-1, on Wednesday night at Eastwood Field.

Wilhite, a native of Lake Charles, La. who pitched at Tyler Junior College in Texas this spring, allowed just a second inning walk to Brian Kalmer while striking out five batters in his longest start with the Spikes (12-17). The right-hander retired the last seven batters he faced and threw 49 pitches, 37 of them for strikes.

State College took the lead in the first when Lyndon Weaver tripled and then stole home, his team-leading 14th stolen base of the season, as the front end of a double steal.

Mahoning Valley (14-16) then jumped in front in the sixth. Bobby Sparling took a two-out walk, and after Reed Chumley doubled, Zach Dezenzo tripled them both in before scoring on a wild pitch.

The Spikes then loaded the bases in the ninth on walks to Alex Toral, Keshawn Ogans and Ryan Blackwell, but Ben Thompson (1) struck out Jorge Cartagena to end the game.

Kevin Karstetter reached base three times on a single and two walks. Karstetter also stole two bases, once as part of the double steal in the first and once by taking third in the fourth, to bump his season total to 11.

Reliever Mark Adamiak (0-1) took the loss for State College after being charged with three runs on a total of three hits and three walks while striking out four batters.

Spikes pitchers recorded a total of 13 strikeouts on Wednesday, the 16th double-digit strikeout performance for the club this season.

Chad Coles (2-1) picked up the win in relief for the Scrappers after throwing a one-hit, one-walk sixth. Thompson notched the save for Mahoning Valley.

The Spikes will now enjoy an MLB Draft League-wide off day on the schedule Thursday before starting a three-game series with the league-leading Williamsport Crosscutters on Friday. The 6:35 p.m. opener of the set will take place at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, with starting pitchers to be determined for both teams.

Following Friday's opener, the two teams will shift locations to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for a historic night on Saturday at the first-ever 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 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 withSpikes Live! presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field at 6:20 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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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.

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