Spikes Prevail in Pitchers' Duel

Last night, the State College Spikes opened up a midweek series with a 2-1 win over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Here’s how it happened:

ULLOA LAYS THE GROUNDWORK

Spikes’ RHP Fidel Ulloa pitched 6 scoreless innings in just his third start with the team. He struck out 8 batters in the win, while not giving up a single walk. During his time with the team, he has put up a 19-3 K/BB ratio while not giving up a single run in 15 innings.

THIRD INNING THRILLS

The only runs of the game for the Spikes came in the bottom of the 3rd inning, starting with a Hayden Moore sac fly. 1B Cam Bufford joined in on the fun with a line-drive single up the middle with 2 outs. The Spikes left 7 runners on base and were 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position last night.

PURNELL DOES IT AGAIN

RHP Blake Purnell continued to do what he does best: shut things down. In a 2-1 game in the top of the 9th, he made quick work of the Scrappers, allowing only 1 run on base and facing 4 batters. His 5 saves now lead the MLB Draft League in the first half.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

1B Cam Bufford, Spikes

• 1-for-4, 1 RBI (“winning run” in the bottom of the 3rd)

PITCHER OF THE GAME

RHP Fidel Ulloa, Spikes

• 6 IP, 2 H, 8 SO, 0 BB, 0 ER

PITCHING DECISIONS

W: RHP Fidel Ulloa (2-0)

L: RHP Jaden Agassi (1-1)

SV: RHP Blake Purnell (5)

NEXT GAME

The Spikes will play Game 2 against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Wednesday night. First pitch is at 6:35 PM. If you can’t make it to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, you can visit www.mlbdraftleague.com/live-streams for streaming info.