Spikes' record comeback powers win

AUBURN, NY - Trailing 6-0 entering the eighth inning, the State College Spikes made the largest comeback in team history, with Matt Curry driving in the game-winning run with an infield single in the tenth inning in a 7-6 win over the Auburn Doubledays on Sunday night at Falcon Park.

State College (22-21) started its rally with a five-run eighth inning, followed by single runs in the ninth and tenth innings to cap off the come-from-behind victory. Pat Irvine's RBI single put the Spikes on the board in the eighth, and Chase Lyles then followed with a two-run triple to bring the margin to 6-3. Matt Skirving doubled home Lyles to make it a two-run game, and Andy Vasquez completed the Spikes' run in the inning with a sacrifice fly.

In the ninth, Walker Gourley led off with a bunt single, but was ruled out for not touching second on Adalberto Santos's groundball up the middle. After Santos advanced to second on a balk, Irvine's two-out RBI double scored him to keep the Spikes alive, leading to Curry's heroics in the tenth.

Irvine and Gourley each put together three-hit performances, with Santos adding a eighth-inning leadoff triple.

Auburn (15-28) took its lead with three runs in the first, including a two-run home run to left field by Steve McQuail. The Doubledays extended their lead further with three runs in the fourth inning prior to the Spikes' comeback.

Jhonathan Ramos (2-1) earned the win with two scoreless innings to finish the game for State College, allowing one hit and striking out two.

Auburn reliever Shawn Griffith (1-2) took the loss after allowing the Spikes' run in the tenth on two hits and two walks. The State College comeback wiped out a solid outing from Auburn starter Daniel Webb, who allowed four hits and three walks while striking out six in five shutout innings.

The Spikes' previous record for largest deficit overcome to win a game was four runs. State College had last accomplished the feat on August 11, 2010 against the Oneonta Tigers. The Spikes rebounded from a 4-0 deficit to win, 9-4, in that game.

Monday, the Spikes head to Russell Diethrick Park to take on the Jamestown Jammers in the first game of a two-game set. State College will send left-hander Colton Cain (0-0) to the mound to take on Jamestown righty Adam Veres (2-1). Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Fans can catch all of the action on the Spikes Radio Network and flagship station 95.3 FM 3WZ starting at 6:50 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live from Russell Diethrick Park.

The Spikes' radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the "Listen Live" link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by 95.3 FM 3WZ.