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NYPL State College Spikes

Former Spikes Called Up to Majors

June 24, 2013 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE, PA - 2009 catcher Tony Sanchez and 2007 pitcher Duke Welker became the 19th and 20th former State College Spikes players, respectively, to reach the major leagues when each player made his big league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Sanchez started as the designated hitter and went 1-for-3, including a ground rule double off of Joe Blanton in his first big league at-bat. Welker retired all three Angels he faced in the eighth inning for a perfect debut on the mound.

Both players joined the Pirates after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis, with Welker joining the club on Thursday and Sanchez on Friday.

Welker and Sanchez also put the number of former Spikes to have made the majors this season at four. 2009 Spikes pitcher Phil Irwin made his first major league start with the Pirates on April 14 against the Reds, while 2010 Spikes pitcher Brandon Cumpton did the same on June 15 against the Dodgers. Cumpton has made two starts for the Pirates, recording a 3.60 ERA, eight strikeouts and two walks over ten innings of work.

The first-round draft choice of the Pirates in 2009 out of Boston College, Sanchez saw his first professional action with the Spikes as he delivered a game-winning single to beat the Williamsport Crosscutters on June 20 that year. The Miami native played just four games with State College before being promoted, hitting .308 with two runs scored and one run batted in.

The Pirates drafted Welker, a product of the University of Arkansas, in the second round in 2007. The Kirkland, WA native made his professional debut in State College that year as he logged seven appearances, all of them starts, with the Spikes. Welker went 2-2 with a 2.35 ERA and struck out 27 batters in 30 2/3 innings in 2007, then climbed the Pirates' organizational ladder. The right-hander was previously called up to Pittsburgh earlier this season, but did not see any game action.

Other current major leaguers to have started their road to the bigs with the Spikes include Allen Craig (2006) of St. Louis, Brendan Ryan (2006) of Seattle, Luke Gregerson (2006) of San Diego, Adam Ottavino (2006) of Colorado, Donovan Solano (2006) of Miami and Tony Watson (2007) of Pittsburgh.

Fans can see more future major leaguers this Monday and Tuesday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, when the Spikes host the Jamestown Jammers (Pittsburgh Pirates) at 7:05 p.m. each night. Tickets for both games, as well as every game on the Spikes' 2013 home slate, can be purchased online at StateCollegeSpikes.com, by calling (814) 272-1711, or by visiting the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office. Information on all Spikes single-game, season and group ticket packages is available at State College Spikes.com.

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