STATE COLLEGE - There was supposed to be a New York-Penn Baseball League game between the Connecticut Tigers and State College Spikes Sunday evening at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. But again, the key phrase here is "supposed to be".
The game began under threatening skies, and with one out and a runner on first in the bottom of the second of a scoreless game, Mother Nature decided to take matters totally in her own hands.
With raindrops that at first seemed as big as golf balls, the intensity of the storm increased rapidly until home plate umpire Sean Howard threw his arms up in the air and summoned the players off the field to their respective dugouts.
Following their departure and a 48-minute delay that saw the field more suitable for water polo than baseball, the game was cancelled. Since neither team is in a position to make a serious challenge for honors in their respective divisions, the game will not be made up.
Prior to the stoppage, Spikes pitcher Mike Jefferson had allowed two hits and a walk while striking out two in his first two innings.
The Spikes will have the next two days off from games, with pitchers working out on Monday and Tuesday, before heading to Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, N.Y. for a 7:05 p.m. matchup on Wednesday against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Bay Rays). Wednesday's game will start a six-game road trip for the Spikes, who will play three games against the Renegades before facing the Auburn Doubledays (Washington Nationals).
The next home for the Spikes will be August 23 when they host the Jamestown Jammers in the first game of a three-game series. First pitch for that game is set for 7:05 p.m.
