In the bottom of the ninth, the Williamsport Crosscutters stood just one out away from clinching their fourth series win and second series sweep of the season against rival State College. With two outs and a runner at first, the game seemed all but won.

But a wild pitch would allow Spikes centerfielder Hayden Moore to steal second and third before a balk from Cutters closer Connor Shouse brought him home, tying the game and ultimately sending it to sudden death. Then, with the bases loaded for the Cutters, a called out at first with two outs would crush their chances of winning it there, as they fell to State College by way of (3-3) tiebreaker.

After kicking off the two-game road series in dominant fashion, they’d endure their third loss in four outings to fall to 8-5. Nonetheless, it was an effort Crosscutters manager Ryan Hanigan was proud of, with the team showing considerable fight in a close battle.

“I was really proud of the boys for finally playing a close game. Keeping the lead, making pitches, getting outs and making plays on defense,” said Hanigan. “Then, in the ninth extra there, coming back and putting pressure on them and giving ourselves a chance.”

Cole Russo of the Crosscutters thows out Carson Luna at first base in the second inning at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

In sudden death, Jacob Corson would successfully steal second, Carter Dorighi would give the team corners (with help from a throwing error) and Josh Lopez would get them in scoring position with a sac bunt. A walk for Max Mandler would load the bases and with two outs and facing a 3-1 count, the pressure was on Lawson Knight to seal the deal.

He’d clip a ball into the infield towards State College shortstop Carson Luna and take off, racing Luna’s dart to first and reaching it at essentially the same time. He’d get called out, but many would argue he had reached safety.

“It’s baseball,” said Hanigan on the call. “At the end of the day, I felt like this one was stolen from us.”

It was a rough conclusion to a well-rounded performance for the team.

The Crosscutters saw a strong start on both sides of the field, leading off with Carter Dorighi’s fifth hit of the series and closing the first with two hits and more notably, two runs.

Jackson Mayo of the Crosscutters singles in the 5th inning against the Spikes at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Centerfielder Jackson Mayo fought for a walk before second baseman Max Mandler batted him in with a dart deep into left field. Then, Eric Rataczak attributed his fourth RBI of the series by way of sacrifice fly, upping the team’s lead to 2-0 before State College could close it out.

Defensively, Cutters starting pitcher Kyle LaCalameto battled through a tough first inning and proceeded to post four scoreless innings despite his elevated pitch count.

The Spikes would challenge him in the third and fourth, getting a runner to third in each inning. But both times, the Houston graduate held firm, closing out each inning with a clutch strikeout. In the fourth, all three outs came by way of strikeout, as he shook off his first walk to finish the job.

He’d closed out his outing with six strikeouts to just four hits and two walks, keeping the Spikes off the scoreboard for 4 2/3 innings before Robinson helped him close out the fifth. It was arguably the best outing of his short career with the team.

“He took the ball and competed, made pitches and pitched smart,” said Hanigan on LaCalameto. “He’s just getting better and better as the season’s going along, giving himself a chance to get to the next level. This team (State College) can hit (too).

Cole Russo of the Crosscutters scores on a single by Jackson Mayo in the 5th inning at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The bats would start to come alive again near the midway point of the game.

After three straight scoreless innings for both squads, the Cutters would be the first to crack the scoreboard again. Three hits in four at-bats in the fifth would culminate in a single run, upping their lead to 3-0 as LaCalameto and his field continued preserving the shutout.

State College would respond by ending said shutout in the bottom of the sixth, getting two runners in scoring position thanks to a Blake Wilson double before a balk and sacrifice fly got both runners home. That ultimately put them in the position they needed to be in to tie things in the ninth.

It’s a loss that keeps them tied with Mahoning Valley for first place in the league. They’ll have a chance to take hold of the top spot again on Thursday, with the league’s top contenders set to face off in a four-game series at Bowman Field. Game 1 against the Scrappers begins at 6:35 on Thursday, with Hanigan heading into the series with confidence despite the loss.

“I think we’re coming together and we’re really playing baseball as a team,” expressed Hanigan. “We’re picking each other up. We’ve got a lot of weapons, and I’ve been really happy in general. Everyone’s playing hard. I’ve got no complaints.”

Riley Nelson of the Crosscutters gets the force out of Manny Jackson at first base during the 6th inning at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Carter Dorighi of the Crosscutters fields a ball hit by Jake Mummau during the 5th inning at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Cole Russo of the Crosscutters catches a ball for an out hit by Manny Jackson at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Manager Ryan Hanigan of the Crosscutters is thrown out of the game by home plate umpire Cody Cogan during the bottom of the 9th inning at Lubrano Park in State College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette