Spencer Robarge Breaks Through for First Title

Another rookie made his mark on the 2026 PBA Tour this week, joining Brandon Bonta in the winners circle. Plus, we got a scoring record that nobody saw coming and added 43 new bowling alleys to BAiO — including one gem in Ohio that's got nearly 5-star reviews.

🎳 On the Lanes

Spencer Robarge claimed his first career PBA Tour title at the Pilgrim's PBA Ohio Classic, defeating Chris Via, Packy Hanrahan, and top seed Ryan Barnes in Columbus. The rookie joined former Wichita State teammate Brandon Bonta as first-year players to win titles in 2026. "It means the absolute world," Robarge said after his victory. "I've always looked up to Earl Anthony... I don't have 43 titles, I don't have 10 majors, but I've got one, so I'll be okay."

The week's biggest surprise came from François Lavoie, who shattered the PBA Tour six-game scoring record with a 1,691 series — breaking the previous mark by 56 pins. "I would agree with them, first of all. I wouldn't think I would be the one to break a scoring record," Lavoie admitted. Sometimes the most unlikely heroes deliver the biggest moments.

📣 Industry News

At the 2026 USBC Open Championships in Reno, 21-year-old Robert Oakleaf Jr. put on a show, rolling 816 in singles to take leads in both Regular Singles and Regular All-Events. His clutch performance included needing — and delivering — strikes in his final three frames to secure both the 800 series and tournament leads.

Meanwhile, Josh Blanchard proved retirement doesn't slow down champions, firing 812 and teaming with Tim Simonis for the Regular Doubles lead at the Open Championships. The three-time PBA Tour champion struck on 31 of his 35 deliveries during the set.

🛒 New Gear

Quiet week on the gear front — nothing major dropped.

📍 New on BAiO

We added 43 new bowling alleys this week, with a heavy focus on Ohio and Michigan. Notable additions include Southgate Lanes Inc in Bluffton, OH, Timber Lanes Bowling Alley in Chicago, IL, RollHouse North Olmsted in North Olmsted, OH, Peat's Cider Social in Stevensville, MI, and Eastgate Lanes in Loveland, OH.

📊 Stat of the Week

Southgate Lanes Inc in Bluffton, OH takes this week's crown with a stellar 4.8/5 Google rating backed by 259 reviews. That's well above our platform average of 4.3, and with nearly 260 reviews, this isn't just new-alley hype — bowlers clearly keep coming back to this Ohio gem.

📰 Sources

• Spencer Robarge Wins First Career Title in Pilgrim's PBA Ohio Classic — PBA
• François Lavoie Shatters PBA Tour Record During Pilgrim's PBA Ohio Classic — PBA
• Oakleaf highlights exciting run at 2026 USBC Open Championships — USBC
• Retired PBA Tour champion Josh Blanchard fires 812, teams with Tim Simonis for doubles lead at 2026 USBC Open Championships — 11thFrame.com