Spikes keep it close; but falls 3-2

By rscaife
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Updated: August 5, 2014

UNIVERSITY PARK – After three consecutive losses, the State College Spikes were looking to get back in the win column against a tough Hudson Valley team.

State College had its chances in the later innings, putting numerous runners in scoring position but left them stranded, falling 3-2.

Despite the loss, the Spikes were able to break a 20-inning scoreless streak.

On the mound starting the game tonight were Hudson Valley’s Oscar Armenta and State College’s Jeff Rauh.

The Renegades plated a first-inning run to get the scoring started.

Leading off the game, Hudson Valley’s Bralin Jackson picked up his first hit of the game, singling to right field. He moved over to second via a passed ball and moved up to third and then scored on consecutive fielders’ choice.

Hudson Valley got back on the scoreboard in the fourth as he sent a towering shot over the right field fence for the solo homer, upping the lead to 2-0.

That was all the Renegades would get in the inning as the Spikes foiled a double steal, resulting in a double play.

Offensively in the fourth, the Spikes used some two out lightning when Alex DeLeon roped a grounder into left field. He then scored all the way from first when teammate Chase Raffield sizzled one into the right field corner, resulting in an RBI stand up double.

Back came the Renegades in the top of the fifth, Coty Blanchard opened the inning with a walk. He stole second to put himself in scoring range.

Wilber Dominguez moved Blanchard over to third on a fielders’ choice.

Despite batting below the .200 mark, Alec Sole notched an RBI single up the middle to score Blanchard.

State College missed a good chance to put one over the plate in the bottom of the fifth.

Brett Wiley led off the inning with a stand up double but was left stranded when Hudson Valley pitcher Oscar Armenta sent the rest of the Spikes down in order from there.

Spikes reliever Kyle Grana came in and was able to shut down the Renegades in the sixth and seventh.

Chase Raffield blasted a long shot into right field resulting in a solo homer in the seventh, cutting the Renegades lead to 3-2.

State College continued to make it interesting as Nick Thompson followed with a double chasing Armenta out of the ball game.

But the Spikes would fall short when reliever Mike Franco came in and shut down the State College rally.

State College has the day off Tuesday and then they head out on the road.