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NYPL State College Spikes

Freeman Blasts Homer For Spikes, But \'Cutters Take 3-1 Victory

June 18, 2011 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


WILLIAMSPORT, PA - Wes Freeman plated the State College Spikes' first run of the year with a towering home run to left field, but Matt Payton doubled home two runs in the sixth inning gave the Williamsport Crosscutters a 3-1 win on Saturday night at Historic Bowman Field.

Freeman's homer, his first in a State College (0-2) uniform, gave the Spikes their first lead of the season in the fourth inning. The Bradenton, FL native also threw out Kelly Dugan at the plate to preserve a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning.

Williamsport (2-0) had already tied the game, however, thanks to three Spikes errors, two of them by third baseman Jorge Bishop. The Crosscutters then took the lead for good when Payton's double scored both Brock Stassi and Francisco Diaz in the next frame.

Derek Trent, who tagged out both Dugan and Kyrell Hudson at the plate in the fifth inning, added a double for State College as part of a 1-for-3 performance.

Kevin Kleis (0-1) took the loss after allowing all three Williamsport runs, with two of them earned. Kleis yielded a total of four hits and two walks in his first-ever appearance for the Spikes. Ryan Hafner made a strong start for State College, allowing three hits and striking out three batters in four shutout innings. The outing was Hafner's first in a starting role as a professional.

Mike Nesseth (1-0) started and earned the win with six innings of work, allowing one run on two hits and four walks. The right-hander, who recovered from Tommy John surgery performed on him in 2010 to make his pro debut on Saturday night, also hit one batter and struck out four. Juary Gomez (1) retired all nine batters he faced over the last three innings, including three by strikeout, to pick up the save.

Sunday night, State College and Williamsport finish off their first series of the year at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in the Spikes Home Opener. The 6:05 p.m. matchup will feature right-handed Matt Benedict taking the hill to start for State College in his first professional appearance.Benedict, the 30th round selection of the Pirates in this year's draft, led Western Carolina University in both strikeouts and innings pitched this past spring. Williamsport will counter with left-hander Lino Martinez.

The Spikes' Home Opener, presented by PSECU and 95.3 FM 3WZ, features a wide array of fun, family entertainment to delight fans of all ages. It all begins when gates open to the general public at the special time of 3:30 p.m., with the first 3,000 fans receiving a free Spikes Schedule Magnet compliments of PSECU as Internet sensation Bob the Bicycle Man entertains the crowd. Fans can also catch live music from local favorites The Zak Sobel Band and LowJack from 3:30 to 5:10.

Former Penn State basketball star Talor Battle will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for the game, which will be delivered to him from 10,000 feet in the air by Sky Dive Happy Valley. Battle will then sign autographs on the concourse from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Spikes players and coaches will also be participating in a unique, first-of-its-kind introduction ceremony with the help of limousines courtesy of Fullington Bus Company. Limousines will transport starting and reserve players onto the field for a special introduction prior to taking the field.

Plenty of activities will also take place after the game, including the first of 12 spectacular Post-Game FIREWORKS shows. In addition, all kids 12 and under will be invited to run the bases after the game, as they will be following all Spikes weekend home games, thanks to Clinical Outcomes Group, Inc.

Fans can catch all of the action on Wednesday via the Spikes Radio Network at 5:35 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live 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.

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