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NYPL State College Spikes

Freeman's Hustle Not Enough

August 20, 2011 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


AUBURN, NY - Wes Freeman's heads-up play resulted in a rare infield double to give the State College Spikes the lead, but the Auburn Doubledays scratched out two late runs to set the Spikes down, 2-1, on Saturday night at Falcon Park.

Freeman's double, his tenth of the season, resulted from him taking an extra base when Auburn (37-23) failed to cover second base after the hit scored Ashley Ponce in the third inning for State College's (23-37) first and only run of the game. The heads-up play also gave Freeman his 19th run batted in on the season.

Spikes starter Ryan Hafner produced another strong outing on the mound, as well, retiring the first six batters he faced. Hafner buzzed through the first four innings before the Doubledays were able to manufacture a run off of him in the fifth inning on a hit batsman, a base hit by Bryce Ortega, a walk and a throwing error. The unearned run was the only damage against Hafner, who yielded a total of three hits and two walks over his five innings of work.

In the seventh inning, Auburn took the lead after Ortega walked and Matt Skole singled off of State College reliever Cliff Archibald (0-1). Archibald then left the game, but Justin Miller's fielder's choice plated Ortega to give the Doubledays a one-run advantage.

The Spikes had opportunities to tie the game in the eighth and ninth innings, but could not send the tying run across the plate as Doubledays closer Aaron Barrett (7) stranded the tying run in scoring position in each frame.

Archibald took the loss after allowing a total of three hits and a walk while striking out one in his single inning on the mound. Robbie Kilcrease recorded six consecutive outs to end the State College pitching effort.

Auburn reliever Christian Garcia (2-0), on rehab assignment from Double-A, threw two perfect innings and struck out two batters for the win. Barrett allowed two hits, but struck out four in 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the win.

Sunday, the Spikes and Doubledays tangle at 6:05 p.m. in the second game of a three-game series at Falcon Park. State College will have left-hander Mike Jefferson (2-1) on the mound after his last outing at home against Connecticut was washed out by rain. Jefferson has not allowed a run in his last three official starts. Auburn will go with right-hander Brian Dupra (3-3).

The Spikes return home on Tuesday, August 23 to start a six-game homestand with a 7:05 matchup against the Jamestown Jammers (Florida Marlins). Fans can put a headlock on value with the Spikes' second annual Wrestling Rumble Night, paying tribute to the greatest feats of the squared circle throughout the evening. Plus, Buck Bleacher Night gives fans the chance to lock up an Outfield Bleacher seat for just $1, thanks to the Centre Daily Times. It's also the first night of the College 3-2-1 Special, presented by BioLife Plasma Services, with $3 off any seat in the ballpark, $2 off a medium soda, and $1 hot dogs available to any college student showing the proper ID.

Tickets for Tuesday's game, as well as each of the eight home games remaining on the Spikes' 2011 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.

Fans also have the opportunity for free tickets to each of the remaining home games on the 2011 Spikes home slate by purchasing their 2012 Season Ticket packages now. Spikes Season Ticket packages come with membership into the exclusive Extra Innings Club, as well as provide a wide variety of additional benefits through a personal front office ticket representative. To purchase 2012 Season Tickets, contact a Spikes ticket representative at (814) 272-1711.

Catch all of the action on Sunday via the Spikes Radio Network at 5:50 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live from Falcon 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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New York-Penn League Stories from August 20, 2011


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