Gonzalez nets three hits, but Spikes take loss

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - Yariel Gonzalez produced his sixth game with three or more hits on the 2017 season, but a key error in the seventh inning sunk the State College Spikes in a 5-2 loss to the Williamsport Crosscutters on Wednesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Gonzalez singled in the the first inning, then doubled to left field in the fourth to lead off the inning. After crossing the plate with the Spikes' (40-34) first run in that inning, the State College third baseman and New York-Penn League RBI leader then singled in the fifth as well.
However, Williamsport (36-37) took the lead for good in the seventh. After back-to-back singles for Rodolfo Duran and Jesus Azuaje to start the frame, Spikes relief pitcher Alex Fagalde  fielded a Nick Maton bunt and made an errant throw to third trying to force the lead runner. Two runs scored on that play, with a subsequent single by Yahir Gurrola adding another run and finishing the scoring.
The Crosscutters took the lead in the first on a Greg Pickett RBI single, and tacked on another run on Pickett's second single in the third inning.
State College tied the game in the fifth on run-scoring singles from Bryce Denton and Matt Davis .
Davis and Edwin Figuera each delivered multi-hit games for the Spikes. Ricardo Bautista led the way on defense for State College, throwing out two runners on the basepaths and making a catch against the Spikes' bullpen fence in right field while almost tumbling into the bullpen.
Pickett notched three hits to lead the way on offense for the Crosscutters.
Fagalde (1-2) took the loss for the Spikes, allowing one earned run and three total on three hits while striking out one batter in 2/3 of an inning.
Williamsport starter Kyle Young (7-2) earned the win with six innings of two-run ball, yielding eight hits and a walk while recording six strikeouts. Connor Brogdon (3) then finished the game with three scoreless frames for the save. Brogdon gave up two hits and a walk while striking out five batters.
The Spikes and Crosscutters will finish their respective 2017 campaigns against each other on Thursday night with a 7:05 p.m. matchup at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. State College has not yet determined a starting pitcher for the season finale, while Williamsport is slated to send right-hander Julian Garcia (3-5) to the hill.
It's the last blast of the summer in Happy Valley, and the first 1,000 fans of all ages will receive a Jesse James Bobblehead Giveaway, presented by The Nittany Lion Inn & The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel and ESPN Radio 1450. In honor of his shared Keystone State football heritage, the bobblehead is half black-and-gold and half blue-and white.
Fans can also join the fight against childhood cancer and embark on the journey to THON 2018 on THON Night at the ballpark.
Plus, fans can enjoy the last Spike-tacular post-game FIREWORKS show of the year, presented by Penn State Health, along with a bonus Kids Run the Bases opportunity, presented by Wonderland Charter School.
It's also the last $1 Beer Thursday of the season, presented by BIG Froggy 101. 12-oz. domestic draft beers will be available for just $1 apiece from 6-8 p.m.
In addition, college students across Central PA can enjoy even more value during every remaining Spikes home game with the College 3-2-1 Special. The College 3-2-1 Special offers any college student presenting a valid student ID at ticket and concessions windows $3 off their seat in any ballpark section, excluding Pepsi Picnic Pavilion and suites, plus $2 medium sodas and $1 hot dogs all game long.
Tickets for Thursday's season finale are currently on sale through the Spikes Ticket Office by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting in person. Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.
Catch all of the action on Thursday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics, 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 the club's flagship radio home, Newsradio 1390 WRSC, as well as the TuneIn Radio app.