Spikes' Matts combine to stifle Muckdogs
Benedict (4-3) allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out two in the win. The right-hander has now yielded just one earned run in twenty innings over his last four starts for an ERA of 0.45 in that span. Benedict also fielded three groundballs himself, including a double-play ball in the third inning.
The Spikes (27-42) took a lead they would not relinquish in the fourth inning. Roderrick Jones led off the inning and was hit with the first pitch of the frame by Batavia starter Corey Baker (5-2). Jones then advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Skirving's RBI single to right field.
State College added another run in the sixth, striking with two outs when Skirving reached base on an error and scored on Chris Lashmet's single. Lashmet is now the team leader in runs batted in among active Spikes with 22, supplanting the newly promoted Wes Freeman, now in West Virginia.
In the seventh inning, the Muckdogs were able to threaten with the bases loaded and two outs, but Spikes reliever Robbie Kilcrease ended the threat by forcing a groundout. Kilcrease then yielded his first run with State College in the eighth when Vance Albitz led off the inning with a double and scored on a third strike that got away to result in a throwing error.
However, Kilcrease and Emmanuel De Leon (5) held Batavia off the board the rest of the way to preserve the Spikes' victory. De Leon earned the save after allowing a hit and a walk, then recording three straight outs.
Ashley Ponce reached base three times for the Spikes, including a double in the fifth inning.
Baker took the loss for the Muckdogs after allowing two runs, including his first earned run given up as a starter, on six hits and a walk.
Albitz and Juan Castillo each produced a pair of hits for Batavia, with Albitz's hits both doubles.
Tuesday, the Spikes and Muckdogs face each other at Dwyer Stadium for the final time in 2011 before a pair of matchups at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The 7:05 p.m. game will feature right-hander Ryan Hafner (2-5) on the mound for State College. Hafner has gone at least five innings while allowing two runs or less in four of his last five starts. Batavia is slated to send right-hander Sam Garviglio, the fifth-round draft pick of the Cardinals in the 2011 MLB Draft, to the mound for his first professional appearance.
The Spikes return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Wednesday to start their final two games of the 2011 home schedule with a 7:05 p.m. matchup against Batavia. Fans can track the growth of the kids in their houses just as the Spikes on the field have grown as the first 1,000 fans of all ages get an Ike the Spike Growth Chart, presented by BioLife Plasma Services. BioLife Plasma Services will also present the College Student 3-2-1 Special on Penn State Homecoming Night at the park. In addition, it's the final Half-Price Wednesday of the year, presented by BIG Froggy 101, and a Centre County United Way Partner Agency Series Night. Plus, the Keystone Little League team that reached the United States semifinal at the 2011 Little League World Series will be on hand.
Tickets for Wednesday's game and Thursday's 2011 home finale 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.
Fans also have the opportunity for free tickets to each of the remaining home games on the 2011 Spikes home slate by purchasing their 2012 Season Ticket packages now. Spikes Season Ticket packages come with membership into the exclusive Extra Innings Club, as well as provide a wide variety of additional benefits through a personal front office ticket representative. To purchase 2012 Season Tickets, contact a Spikes ticket representative at (814) 272-1711.
Catch all of the action on Tuesday via the Spikes Radio Network at 6:50 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live from Dwyer Stadium. The Spikes' radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the "Listen Live" link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by 95.3 FM 3WZ.