NYPL State College Spikes

Big Inning, Josiah Viera Power Spikes' 10-3 Win

Published on July 9, 2016 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE, PA - On a night when honorary bench coach Josiah Viera was honored with his very own bobblehead, the State College Spikes scored seven runs in the second inning and never looked back in a 10-3 win over the Auburn Doubledays on Saturday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Viera's bobblehead went to the first 1,000 fans at Saturday's game, presented by Northwest, and the inspirational 12-year-old served as the guest of honor at the game. Josiah, who has battled Hutchinson-Gilford progeria throughout his life, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and guested on the radio broadcast of the game while continuing in his role on the Spikes' bench during the night.

The Spikes also improved to 16-6 on the year with the victory, giving them the best start after 22 games in franchise history.

State College brought 11 batters to the plate in the second frame. Josh Swirchak started the scoring with an RBI double, followed by Danny Hudzina's single to make it 2-0. Tommy Edman then brought in a pair of runs with a triple, and Dylan Tice knocked him in with a double.

Ryan McCarvel then finished off the inning with a run-scoring single. McCarvel also ended the Spikes' scoring with his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to center off Auburn (12-10) reliever Brayan Serrata that capped a three-hit night.

Vince Jackson also brought in a run with a fourth-inning groundout, while Mick Fennell knocked in a run with a fifth-inning double.

Carson Cross (2-2) went six innings on the mound for the victory. Cross allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out four in the effort.

Doubledays starter Yonathan Ramirez (2-1) went just 1 2/3 innings before being chased by the Spikes' big second inning. Ramirez yielded seven runs, five of them earned, on five hits and a walk while recording two strikeouts.

The Spikes and Doubledays finish off their three-game series at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday night at 6:05 p.m. Right-hander Steven Farinaro (2-0) gets the ball for State College, while Auburn goes with right-hander Weston Davis (2-1).

The Spikes will pay homage to our troops on Sunday during Military Appreciation Night, presented by Lion Country Kia, when the Spikes face Auburn at 6:05 p.m. Fans will be able to bid in a Game-Worn Patriotic Hat Auction benefiting PSU for Local Wounded Warriors, presented by Lion Country Kia, during the game.

The night will also include military vehicles on display for fans to interact with during the night, as well as tributes to those who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces throughout the evening.

In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on Military Appreciation Night will receive a Mitch Harris Poster Giveaway presented by Lion Country Kia. Harris started his professional career with the Spikes in 2013 after serving five years as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, including three tours of the Persian Gulf.

Spikes fans can also salute our military heroes as VFW Post 5825 Pine Grove Mills and SGT Bob partner for another Veterans Appreciation Night on Sunday.

Plus, one "LuCKy" fan will get the chance to win Free Gas for a Year in the Lion Country Kia Sunroof Toss .

In addition, it's Kids Day at the ballpark, presented by First National Bank . Kids can eat and play for free courtesy of Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, with each child 12 and under receiving a voucher good for a free hot dog, chips and small soda.

Before the game, fans can participate in a Pre-Game Catch on the Field from 5:00 to 5:30, and after the game, kids can run the bases thanks to Clinical Outcomes Group, Inc.

Tickets to Sunday's game, as well as every game on the Spikes' 2016 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 Sunday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Health, at 5:35 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.

Spikes fans can also catch home games in 2016 even when outside Central PA thanks to the new partnership with MiLB.TV to stream all games online to paid subscribers of the service. MiLB.TV offers fans the chance to follow the game's future stars across Minor League Baseball, with more than 5,000 games streamed live, including affiliates of all 30 MLB teams, and complete game archives available on demand. Fans can subscribe to MiLB.TV for the whole season at the new lower price of $39.99, or subscribe monthly at $12.99 a month.

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New York-Penn League Stories from July 9, 2016


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