The Williamsport Crosscutters’ offense got off to a strong start with a five-run lead, but bullpen struggles would hand West Virginia an 8-5, rain-shortened win against Williamsport on Wednesday at Wagener Field.

The Cutters recorded three extra-base hits, all doubles, off the bats of Jacob Harper, Mikey Florida’s and Ethan Kiel. Kiel also recorded two RBIs, his second and third of the season. That was joined by an RBI a piece by McGwire Holbrook, his 19th, and the first of the year for Will Binder.

Mike Hansell got the start on the mound and threw five shutout innings, yielding just two hits with three walks and four strikeouts. The returning Nick McCollum would surrender the Cutters lead, allowing five runs on two hits and three walks in just a third of an inning of work. All five runs were earned. Logan Berrier took the loss (0-1) and suffered a blown save after allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in an inning of relief.

Due to heavy rains, play was stopped in the top of the eighth inning and the game was ruled final after a 12-minute delay.

The Crosscutters and Black Bears wrap up their three-game series on Thursday at Wagener Field. Williamsport is back at Bowman Field beginning on Friday for a three-game series with the State College Spikes. Williamsport hosts the Spikes on Friday and Sunday and travel to State College on Saturday.