For 10 innings, the State College Spikes and Vermont Lake Monsters couldn’t get on the board.
Then, State College finally broke through.
After managing just three hits in the first 10 innings, the Spikes recorded three hits and scored three runs in the 11th en route to a 3-2 win Saturday night at Centennial Field.
State College reliever Gerwuins Velazco failed to preserve the shutout, but picked up the save after allowing two runs in the bottom of the 11th. Spikes starter Harley Holt went four scoreless innings and relievers Connor Jones, Jordan DeLorenzo and Eric Carter each threw two scoreless innings.
Vermont’s Ty Damron took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) and four hits in 1 2/3 innings.
The Spikes (33-15) were quiet offensively most of the night.
Jeremy Martinez, Andy Young and Danny Hudzina each had singles to account for State College’s only hits in the first 10 innings.
Vermont (19-29) had six hits in 10 innings, but the Lake Monsters couldn’t score, either.
The Spikes broke the scoreless tie in the 11th.
Vince Jackson singled to center field with one out and stole second base with two outs. Jackson then scored on Elier Rodriguez’s single to right field to push State College ahead 1-0. Hudzina followed with an RBI double and advanced to third when Anthony Ray reached on an error.
Hudzina gave the Spikes a 3-0 lead after scoring on a passed ball.
Vermont’s Jhonny Rodriguez hit a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the 11th. Velazco then got Brett Sunde to ground out to end the game.
The Spikes and Lake Monsters continue their series at 5:05 p.m. Sunday.
Jones made his State College debut Saturday after being promoted from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Cardinals. The right-handed Virginia product was selected in the second round of this year’s draft. He made four appearances in the Gulf Coast League, allowing one run in four innings.
Bladimil Franco also rejoined the Spikes after a stint with Single-A Peoria. Franco played his ninth game of the season for State College on Saturday, going 0 for 3 with a walk.
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