The loss marks six in a row for the Cutters, who have now gone 54 innings without obtaining a lead in a game. It’s the first time since 2011 as the head coach at USC Aiken that Williamsport manager Kenny Thomas lost six games in a row.

“It’s hard to win when you don’t score,” said Thomas. “We just didn’t hit.”

For the first time in six games, Williamsport would not give up a run in the first inning. Such a change of tide was thanks to Brad Rudis. The 22 year old right hander would blank the BlackBears across three innings, conceding just one hit while throwing five strikeouts.

West Virginia starter Daniel Kanagy would match Rudis on the mound through five innings of work. Making his debut with the Black Bears, Kanegy would go five innings without conceding a run, allowing two hits while throwing two strikeouts.

Armani Newton of the Williamsport Crosscutters catches a ball hit by Tyler Cerny of the Black Bears for an out during the third inning at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The first time multiple runners were on the basepaths was in the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Cutters reached on a Carlos Castillo leadoff single and Ryan Kennell took first on a wide throw to first.

Cutter debutant Michael Zarillo would sweeten the pot three batters later, reaching base on a full count walk to load the bases with two outs. But the Cutters would be unable to convert, with Armani Newton striking out to end a dramatic sixth inning. Zarillo would finish 0-1 with three walks on his Cutter debut, with the Atlanta native expected to play in the second half season as well.

“He was patient at the plate,” said Thomas. “I liked what I saw. I was excited for him.”

In the next half inning, West Virginia would be in the lead starting with a one out walk to Judah Morris. Nico Newhhan would take to the plate next and, on the second pitch of the at-bat, rip an RBI triple off the left center wall for the opening run.

West Virginia would double its lead in the next at-bat in similar fashion, with Sam Miller corking a double off the left field wall to score Newhan. Ethan Hott would extend the lead with two outs, smacking another hard hit ball to the left field warning track. The rally would be completed by Ben Zeigler-Namoa who, in spite of an .098 batting average, made it 4-0 on an RBI single to left field.

Manager Kenny Thomas of the Williamsport Crosscutters watches the game during the second inning of the game Sunday against the Black Bears at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The Black Bears would tally two more runs in the eighth inning, with Judah Morris and Beau Sylvester both slapping RBI singles in the frame to give the 6-0 final score.

“I always thought, when things get bad, you gotta make a drastic change,” echoed Thomas. “But with this scenario. When you have a majority of these guys for five more days, it’s hard to make a drastic change. So I would think my change is letting the second half guys go in and play…[The first half guys] have had a lot of chances.” The loss drops Williamsport under .500 for the first time this season, with their 12-13 record now fifth out of six teams in the Draft League.

The match also concludes Williamsport’s home slate in the first half campaign, with their remaining five games in the first half taking place on the road. Williamsport’s next home game will take place on July 16, when they host the Trenton Thunder in game one of the second half campaign.

Ryan Kennell of the Williamsport Crosscutters lays down a bunt during the 6th inning against the Black Bears at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Carlos Castillo of the Williamsport Crosscutters runs back to the dug out smiling after catching Ethan Hott of the Black Bears stealing second to end the top of the 5th inning at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Pitcher Josh Leessen of the Williamsport Crosscutters leans out of the way of a ball hit by Ethan Hott of the Black Bears during the 5th inning at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Josh Leerssen and catcher Boston Smith of the Williamsport Crosscutters celebrate after the top of the 5th inning against the Black Bears at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Jack Lausch of the Williamsport Crosscutters runs into the outfield wall as a ball hit by Nico Newhan of the Black Bears bounces away during the 7th inning at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Carlos Castillo of the Williamsport Crosscutters jumps over the first base line after catching Ethan Hott of the Black Bears stealing second to end the top of the 5th inning at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Armani Newton of the Williamsport Crosscutters is tagged out at second by Tyler Cerny of the Black Bears during the second inning at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette