NILES — For the first eight innings of Sunday’s game between State College and Mahoning Valley, hits and runs were at a premium as the Scrappers were looking to earn their first three-game sweep in five weeks.

In the ninth, the Spikes’ bats came to life, resulting in a 7-1 State College win over the Scrappers at Eastwood Field.

Leading by just one run after eight innings, the Spikes erupted for five runs in the ninth to lift their record to 29-30 (12-18). The Spikes have already clinched a berth in the MLB Draft League title game by finishing atop the first-half standings.

The Scrappers fall to 28-33 (11-20).

Despite the setback, Scrappers starter Robert Helt turned in perhaps his best performance of the season. The Willoughby native worked five scoreless innings, surrendering just two

See Full Page