Spikes force a game three in NY/Penn playoff series

By rscaife
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Updated: September 5, 2014

By Kenny Varner

UNIVERSITY PARK – After falling in the opening game of the New York/ Penn League playoff game, the State College Spikes were back at home in hopes of tying its series against the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Despite only muscling out five hits in the game, the Spikes live to fight another day as they held onto a 3-0 victory.

Will Anderson was sparkling on the mound

The Spikes got it going early, posting a run in the first.

Lead off hitter, Darren Seferina poked a single into shallow left field. Two pitches later he advanced to third on a Hunter Wood offering that hit the plate and went airborne for a wild pitch.

After holding the Renegades scoreless in the second, State College added to its lead.

Former lead off hitter Robelys Reyes, roped a 1-out triple to the right centerfield gap.

Reyes advanced home thanks to an RBI sacrifice fly by Jhohan Aceveceo.

State College starting hurler Will Anderson had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning.

Hudson Valley’s Alec Sole broke up Anderson’s no-hit bid with two outs in the sixth.

In the top of the sixth, Hudson Valley had put some pressure on the Spikes.

Sole led off with his single into right field and moved over to third on a double by lead off hitter Braxton Lee. Lee’s double plopped into left field and was just inches from the foul line.

However, with runners on second and third, Anderson was able to pitch out of the jam, forcing Coty Blanchard to ground out to end the inning.

Hudson Valley helped the Spikes in the bottom of the third when Blanchard booted a grounder by Reyes, allowing Jake Stone to score, upping the lead to 3-0.

Anderson took care of the Renegades in the seventh, sending down the batters in order.

Going into the ninth, the Spikes pitching held Hudson Valley to just three hits on the evening.

Hudson Valley’s pitching was almost just as good allowing only five hits.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Spikes had to go up against the heart of the order with the first, second and third batters approaching the plate.

With Josh Lucas in for relief of Will Anderson, the hurler had to first face Braxton Lee.

Lee opened with a squib hit down third base, reaching base with a single.

With Blanchard up and no one out, Lucas sent him down on strikes for the first out.

Lucas made it two outs as he got next batter Casey Gillaspie to also strike out.

As the drama was at its height, Lucas faced Grant Kay.

With the crowd at its feet Lucas faced a full count. Lucas was automatic, striking out Kay to end the game and allowed the Spikes to force a third and deciding game.

The game will be held Friday night back at Lumbrano field.