Wick smashes two more homers in Spikes' win Monday
STATE COLLEGE, PA - Rowan Wick became the first player in State College Spikes history to hit two home runs in a single game on two separate occastions, and the Spikes used the long ball to down the Williamsport Crosscutters, 6-3, on Monday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Wick homered twice at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field on Opening Night in Williamsport this past Friday, and duplicated the feat with solo shots in the second and fourth innings. Wick's fourth inning round-tripper hit the top of the batters' eye greater than 20 feet atop the center field wall.
The North Vancouver, BC native's four home runs are the most for any Spikes player over the first four games of the year. Wick reached base a total of four times in the game, walking twice including an intentional free pass.
Ronnierd Garcia helped the Spikes' (3-1) offensive cause with a solo home run two batters after Wick in the second inning. Jhohan Acevedo contributed a double and a stolen base to the State College attack.
Spikes starter Dailyn Martinez (1-0) earned the win after logging five innings on the mound in which he allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits and two walks. The righty also struck out one batter.
Williamsport (1-3) fought back late by loading the bases with the tying run at the plate in the ninth inning. However, Josh Lucas (1) shut the door on a Crosscutters comeback by recording the final two outs, both via strikeout, to pick up the save.
Fernando Baez pitched two perfect innings in middle relief for the Spikes. The native Dominican has now faced 12 batters this season and retired all 12 in order.
Feliberto Sanchez (0-1) started and took the loss for Williamsport after yielding all three Spikes homers and five hits total over four innings of work. Sanchez also gave up two walks while striking out one batter.
Herlis Rodriguez went 2-for-4 for the Crosscutters.
Tuesday, the Spikes welcome a new opponent to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park as the Batavia Muckdogs (Miami Marlins) head into town to start a three-game series. Right-hander Luis Perdomo (0-0) will get his first starting assignment on the mound for the Spikes in the 7:05 p.m. matchup. The Muckdogs are slated to send right-hander Yeims Mendoza (0-1) to the hill.
The first 500 fans through the gates when they open at 6 p.m. will receive a 2014 Spikes Schedule T-Shirt, presented by First National Bank, for the first T-Shirt Tuesday of the season.
The slate for the three-game series against Batavia also includes the debut of $1 Beer Night, presented by 93.7 THE BUS, on Thursday the 19th. Fans 21 and up can purchase 12-oz. domestic drafts for just $1 apiece from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday home game during the season.
Plus, Thursday the 19th is the first of two Bark in the Park nights this season, presented by Metzger Animal Hospital and NEWSRADIO 103. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park will once again go to the dogs as fans can bring-their favorite four-legged friends to the park and join the canine-centric fun.
Fans can also enjoy a Fùtbol Scarf Giveaway, presented by P.J. Harrigan's, to the first 1,000 fans for World Soccer Night on Wednesday the 18th. Sgt. Bob will also be on hand to play an acoustic music showcase on the concourse on Wednesday night. It's also a Half-Price Wednesday, presented by BIG Froggy 101. Get into the park with half-price Outfield Bleacher tickets, then enjoy half-price 16-oz. domestic draft beers from 6-8 p.m. and half-price medium sodas all game long.
Tickets for the remainder of Opening Week, as well as every game on the Spikes' 2014 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 Tuesday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, at 6:35 p.m. with Spikes Live, presented by Mount Nittany Health, on the air from 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.