Spikes rally, but fall to Doubledays, 8-4
STATE COLLEGE, PA - Down 8-1 headed into the bottom of the ninth, the State College Spikes nearly mounted a historic comeback as they brought the tying run to the plate, but ultimately took an 8-4 defeat at the hands of the Auburn Doubledays on Saturday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
State College (23-12) sent nine batters to the plate as party of the furious ninth-inning rally, with six singles in the frame. Anthony Ray, Tommy Edman and Jeremy Martinez each knocked in runs, but Phil Morse recorded back-to-back strikeouts with the bases loaded to end the game.
The Spikes took the early lead in the second inning as Andy Young singled, Danny Hudzina delivered a ground-rule double, and Ray's single brought Young home.
However, Auburn (16-19) plated three runs in the fifth on a Paul Panaccione single, Blake Perkins groundout and Jack Sundberg single. The Doubledays continued the onslaught in the sixth as a wild pitch and Oliver Ortiz single each brought in runs.
The Doubledays increased the lead to seven runs in the eighth with a sacrifice fly to right field by Jake Noll and an Andres Martinez double before the Spikes' response in the ninth.
Young and Hudzina each produced three hits in the game for the Spikes. Jeremy Martinez extended his on-base streak to 20 games with two hits and a walk.
Ronnie Williams (4-2) took his first loss since his opening start of the season for State College. Williams yielded five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three batters.
Yonathan Ramirez (3-1) started for Auburn and earned the win after yielding one run on four hits and a walk. Ramirez struck out three in the effort.
Noll recorded three hits for the Doubledays to lead the offense.
The loss was the Spikes' first to Auburn this season in six meetings.
State College will now hit the road on Sunday to start a three-game series against the Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium. The 4:05 p.m. matchup will feature right-hander Bryan Dobzanski (2-3) on the mound for the Spikes against Muckdogs right-hander Ryan McKay (1-2).
After the three-game series in Batavia, the Spikes will have an off day on the New York-Penn League schedule Wednesday before visiting the Williamsport Crosscutters on Thursday.
The Spikes then return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to start a five-game homestand on Friday night. Highlights of the homestand include a Myrtle Beach Trip Giveaway along with FIREWORKS presented by VisitMyrtleBeach.com on Friday, the second Bark in the Park Night of the year, presented by Metzger Animal Hospital, NEWSRADIO 1390 WRSC and the Centre Daily Times.
Sunday, help the Spikes raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer on Paint the Park Pink Night, presented by Mount Nittany Health. The Spikes will take the field in special Pink Cheetah Jerseys, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Breast Care Center at Mount Nittany Medical Center through The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center. In addition, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Pink Hat Giveaway, and fans can enjoy FIREWORKS after the game.
The month of August then starts with Monday Buck Night, presented by 95.3 FM 3WZ, followed by Super Splash Day on a $2 Walking Taco Tuesday, presented by B94.5, with a special noon start.
Tickets for all five games, as well as every game remaining on the Spikes' 2016 home schedule, are currently on sale through the Spikes Box Office by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting in person. Fans can also buy and print single-game tickets by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.
Catch all of the action on Sunday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Health, at 3:50 p.m. with Spikes Live, presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from Dwyer Stadium.The Spikes' radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the "Listen Live" link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by the club's flagship radio home, Newsradio 1390 WRSC, as well as the TuneIn Radio app.