Spikes Open Midweek Series Against Scrappers

#5 Mahoning Valley Scrappers (13-16, 7.5 GB) at #2 State College Spikes (16-14, 5.0 GB)

The State College Spikes host the Mahoning Valley Scrappers tonight for Game 1 of a three-game set. Here are the big storylines:

SO YOU’RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?

The Spikes, unbeknownst to us at BPort Sports, still have a shot to win the first half. They’ll need a win as well as a Crosscutters loss tonight to stay in the hunt.

STICKING TOGETHER

Despite losing Samuel Benjamin and Deniel Ortiz, the Spikes are 2-2 in the last 4 games. In order to stay in the race, the Spikes will need some production tonight from some unusual suspects.

FACING A SCRAPPY BUNCH

The Spikes were swept by the Scrappers on the road earlier this season, being outscored 29-4 in a three-game stretch. Despite their record this season, the Scrappers’ +11 run margin is 3rd in the league and they are better on the road (.455 pct) than they are at home (.444 pct) this season.

PROJECTED STARTING PITCHERS

Scrappers: RHP Jaden Agassi (1-0, 2.82 ERA)

Spikes: RHP Fidel Ulloa (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

PORTNEY’S PICK

Scrappers by 2