SPIKES TAKE HAYMAKERS NAME, BUT DROP 7-3 MATCHUP TO MUCKDOGS
STATE COLLEGE, PA – The State College Spikes became the State College Haymakers on Friday night for “What If Night,” but fell behind early as Victor Sanchez, Nick Longmire and Jon Rodriguez combined to start the game 6-for-6 and give the Batavia Muckdogs a 7-3 win at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Batavia (38-27) took a 2-0 lead after the first inning, and a 3-0 lead after three frames, with Rodriguez providing all three RBI. The Muckdogs added another pair of runs in the sixth before the once and future Spikes (32-34) plated a run on Adalberto Santos’s groundout in the sixth inning. Gerlis Rodriguez knocked in both of the Haymakers’ last two runs, but Batavia added two insurance runs late to hold on for the win.
State College manager Gary Robinson did not stick around to see the end of the game after being ejected by home plate umpireRoberto Ortiz in the sixth inning. However, before he left, Robinson covered the plate in dirt, kicked more dirt on top of it. The Spikes’ skipper proceeded to take first base, sign it, and give it to a fan in the second row.
Cole White doubled twice for the Haymakers, who fell to Batavia for just the second time this season. State College also had two more opportunities to tie the game in the bottom of ninth inning with the bases loaded, but could not come up with the final blow.
In addition to assuming the Haymakers name for the duration of the night, State College players and coaches wore special Haymakers jerseys that were put up for bids in a silent auction during the game to benefit the Centre County United Way. Winning bidders receieved their jerseys immediately after the game concluded.
Zac Fuesser (0-3) started and took the loss for State College, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out one over five innings of work.
Batavia starter Andrew Moss (7-2) picked up the victory by yielding two runs on three hits and three walks over seven innings. Moss also struck out three in the win. Justin Wright (1) earned the save by notching the final two outs with the bases juiced.
Saturday, the Spikes go back to normal to finish off a two-game mini-series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park against the Muckdogs. The 7:05 p.m. matchup will feature State College right-hander Tyler Waldron (4-5), who has not allowed a run in his last 11 innings on the mound, against Batavia left-hander Justin Edwards (3-4).
Gates will open at 5:30 for the Spikes’ annual Team Autograph Session. Fans can get their memorabilia signed by many of the Spikes’ future starts, including the Pirates’ top two draft picks this season, Jameson Taillon and Stetson Allie. Merchandise will also be on sale at Off the Rack Outfitters, located at the ballpark.
Plus, the Spikes’ special 4 for $44 Saturday will give fans the opportunity to purchase four Diamond Club tickets, four hot dogs and four small sodas for just $11 per person. It’s also Scratch n’ Win Saturday, with every fan a winner as each fan receives a scratch-off card with a great Spikes prize on it. One lucky fan will also win tickets to every Spikes home game in 2011. The fun continues with Agriculture Night, celebrating Pennsylvania’s farms and farm animals, and after the game, kids can run the bases thanks to HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital.
College students can also take advantage of the special offers available throughout the rest of the 2010 Spikes home slate. The 3-2-1 Special lets any college student across Central PA showing the proper ID purchase $3 Outfield Bleacher tickets, with $2 small sodas and $1 hot dogs available all game long. College students can also partake in the 4 for $24 special, with four Outfield Bleacher tickets, four small sodas and four hot dogs available for just $24.
For more ticket information, visit the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office, call the Spikes at (814) 272-1711, or log on to StateCollegeSpikes.com.
Fans can catch all of the action via the Spikes Radio Network and flagship station 95.3 FM 3WZ starting at 6:35 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live from the right field Fun Deck at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
The Spikes’ radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the “Listen Live” link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by 95.3 FM 3WZ.
