Spikes' big first leads to win over Black Bears

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - The State College Spikes plated six runs in the first inning and held on to defeat the West Virginia Black Bears, 6-5, on Thursday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
With the win, State College (32-30) is now three games back of the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division lead currently held by Mahoning Valley. West Virginia (35-27) is now percentage points back in second place.

The Spikes' early surge included 10 batters coming to the plate in the initial frame, with Scott Hurst 's RBI triple beginning the scoring. State College's offensive onslaught continued with straight hits, including a run-scoring single for Yariel Gonzalez , a two-run double from Matt Davis , and RBI doubles for J.D. Crowe and Dennis Ortega .
State College was held to one hit following its' first-inning outburst, but held on thanks to a solid pitching effort. Starter Paul Balestrieri allowed four runs, three of them earned, on six hits, three walks and two hit batsmen while striking out one batter over four innings.
Reliever Steven Farinaro (2-1) then logged four innings of one-run ball for the victory. Farinaro, the Spikes' 2016 Pitcher of the Year, yielded one run on three hits, a walk and two hit batsmen while notching two strikeouts. Jason Zgardowski (1) then pitched a one-hit ninth and struck out one batter to earn the save.
Black Bears starter Sergio Cubilete (3-6) withstood the first inning to last six frames on the hill, but took the loss. Cubilete gave up a total of seven hits and three walks while recording two strikeouts.
Chris Sharpe , Lucas Tancas and Raul Siri each produced multi-hit games for West Virginia.
The Spikes now turn towards the second half of their six-game homestand as the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies) visit Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Friday for the opener of a three-game series. State College will send NYPL All-Star left-hander Andrew Summerville (3-0) to the mound. Williamsport will counter with an NYPL All-Star left-hander of their own in 6'10" Kyle Young (6-1).
Fans will be thrilled as Hall of Fame pro wrestler Hacksaw Jim Duggan also visits Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to meet and greet fans, presented by Nuts For You and Comcast Spotlight. "Hacksaw" will sign autographs, throw out a ceremonial first pitch, and participate in an on-field contest.
Friday also starts FIREWORKS Weekend at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, with the first of three straight post-game FIREWORKS shows lighting up the skies. Fullington Bus Company presents the Spike-tacular display.
Fans can join the fight against cancer as well with Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State Night, presented by HRI, Inc. Penn State men's basketball head coach Patrick Chambers will throw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the festivities.
Plus, kids can run the bases after the game thanks to Wonderland Charter School, and it's a 4 for $44 Northwest Family Value Ticket Package night, with four Diamond Club or Field Box seats, four hot dogs and four small sodas available for $44 (an $85 value).
In addition, college students across Central PA can enjoy even more value during every remaining Spikes home game with the College 3-2-1 Special. The College 3-2-1 Special offers any college student presenting a valid student ID at ticket and concessions windows $3 Outfield Bleacher seats or $3 off seat in any other ballpark section, excluding Pepsi Picnic Pavilion and suites, plus $2 medium sodas and $1 hot dogs all game long.
Tickets to all three games from Friday through Sunday, as well as all eight games remaining on the Spikes' 2017 regular season home schedule, are currently on sale through the Spikes Ticket Office by calling (814) 272-1711 or by visiting in person. Fans can also buy and download single-game tickets by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.
Catch all of the action on Friday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, Official Healthcare Provider of Penn State Athletics, 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 the club's flagship radio home, Newsradio 1390 WRSC, as well as the TuneIn Radio app.