Spikes fall to Renegades, 3-0, in Game 1

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY - Daniel Poncedeleon made a strong start for the State College Spikes to begin the New York-Penn League Semifinal Series, but three fifth-inning runs for the Hudson Valley Renegades were the difference as Hudson Valley took the first game of the best-of-three series, 3-0, on Wednesday night.

Only one of Hudson Valley's three runs was earned by Poncedleon (0-1), who struck out six batters over five innings. The right-hander gave up six hits and two walks during his tenure on the mound, but escaped a bases-loaded situation in the second with a groundball into a fielder's choice for the last out.

In the fifth, the Renegades got a leadoff single from Wilmer Dominguez, and after a sacrifice bunt from Alec Sole, an error put Braxton Lee on base. Coty Blanchard then walked to load the bases, and Dominguez scored on a wild pitch to give Hudson Valley its first run. Two batters later, Grant Kay's single to right field scored Lee and Blanchard for the final runs of the game.

The Spikes scattered six hits, including doubles from Robleys Reyes and Alex De Leon, but could not put more than one runner on base in an inning.

Hudson Valley starter Enderson Franco (1-0) tossed seven shutout innings, giving up five hits while striking out eight batters in his second win over State College this year. Franco picked up a win over the Spikes on August 2 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Edgar Gomez (1) got the save after finishing the game with two one-hit innings and striking out two batters.

The Spikes will look to avoid elimination on Thursday night when they head back home to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for Game 2 of the NYPL Semifinal Series against the Renegades. Right-hander Will Anderson, who went 6-2 with a 2.43 ERA during the regular season to earn NYPL All-Star honors and the Spikes' Pitcher of the Year Award, will get the ball for State College.

Hudson Valley will go with right-hander Hunter Wood, who logged a 3-4 record and a 3.08 ERA in the regular season. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Fans will also enjoy the return of some regular season favorites at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park as well, including a bonus $1 Beer Night, presented by 93.7 THE BUS. 12-oz. select domestic draft beers will be available for just $1 apiece from 6-8 p.m. for fans 21 and over.

Plus, college students can take advantage of the College 3-2-1 Special. Any college student showing a valid ID can get $3 off of a ballpark seat, along with $2 medium sodas and $1 hot dogs all game long.  

Fans can purchase single-game tickets for Game 2, as well as Four-Game Playoff Packs. The price for single-game Spikes home playoff game tickets will be the same as in the regular season, while Four-Game Playoff Packs start as low as $16 per seat for all four potential home playoff games home playoff games. Each Four-Game Playoff Pack also includes a $2 per game savings off the single-game price. In addition, each seat purchased as part of a Four-Game Playoff Pack will come with a free, limited-edition 2014 Spikes playoff t-shirt while supplies last.

Individual playoff tickets and Four-Game Playoff Packs are available by visiting the Spikes Box Office at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park or calling (814) 272-1711 during Box Office hours. On home game days, the Spikes Box Office is open from 9 a.m. through the end of the game. Non-game day hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Individual playoff home game tickets can also be purchased online at StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Catch all of the action on Thursday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, at 6:35 p.m. with Spikes Live, presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The Spikes' radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the "Listen Live" link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by 95.3 FM 3WZ, and on the 3WZ mobile apps, available on Google Play and the App Store.