BROOKLYN, NY - The State College Spikes, behind a sterling pitching effort from Zack Von Rosenberg, put themselves within striking distance of the Brooklyn Cyclones on Friday night at MCU Park, but ultimately fell, 4-2.
Von Rosenberg (0-4) retired the first seven hitters he faced, and took a no-hitter into the fifth. Brooklyn (12-9) designated hitter Joe Bonfe dropped down a bunt single, however, and reached second on a throwing error to set up J.B. Brown's RBI single to give the Cyclones a 1-0 lead.
The Spikes (11-10) would have their opportunity to respond, however, putting runners on first and second in the seventh and runners on second and third in the eighth. State College did not score in either situation, though, and the Cyclones plated three runs in the eighth to provide some distance. A ninth-inning rally by the Spikes that featured RBI singles from Cole White and Kelson Brown put the tying run at the plate, but would not be enough to overtake Brooklyn.
Adalberto Santos went 2-for-3 with a run scored to extend his hitting streak to ten games and his on-base streak to 18 games.
Although he took the loss, Von Rosenberg allowed the lone run on just two hits and a walk, striking out four over his career-long five innings of work.
Brooklyn starter Yohan Almonte (3-2) set down the first ten Spikes batters he faced, earning the win with six-and-two-thirds shutout innings. Almonte allowed three hits and struck out five in the victory. Daniel Carela (1) picked up the save by getting the last two outs in the ninth inning.
Saturday, the Spikes and Cyclones meet for the final matchup of their three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., with State College left-hander Zack Dodson (0-0) to face Brooklyn southpaw Chris Hilliard (3-0).
