Watson the latest Spike to make MLB debut

2007 Spikes pitcher Tony Watson became the latest former State College player to make his major league debut, when he pitched in the relief for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their June 8 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park.

The left-hander was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on June 7 after going 2-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings over 22 relief appearances with the Indians.

Watson was originally drafted by Pittsburgh in the ninth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft out of the University of Nebraska and started his professional career with the Spikes. The Iowa native turned in an impressive 10-game stint with State College that summer, posting a 6-1 record with a 2.52 ERA while walking just seven batters and fanning 40 in 53 2/3 innings.

Watson is just the second former Spikes player to reach the major leagues with Pittsburgh, joining Daniel Moskos who debuted in April. Overall, he is the ninth former Spikes major leaguer, including seven players from the inaugural 2006 club, which was affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals.