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NYPL State College Spikes

Spikes Defeat Scrappers, 4-1, on Sunday

August 9, 2015 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE, PA - The State College Spikes, bolstered by their Jerome Bettis Gold Jacket Jerseys, got a strong pitching effort from Jorge Rodriguez and delivered a big second inning to earn a 4-1 victory against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers on Sunday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

The jerseys, worn in honor of the legendary running back on the occasion of his induction in Canton this week, went up for bids in a Jersey-off-the-Back Auction presented by PSECU, and helped raise $7,000 for Children's Miracle Network. Over the last three Sunday home games, the Spikes have now partnered with the Team Ream Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, PSECU and Children's Miracle Network to raise $17,247 for a trio of great causes.

On the field, Rodriguez (4-2) produced his best home start of the year after an early rough patch. The right-hander, who had posted a 7.62 ERA at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park prior to Sunday's start, gave up a run in the first inning but got out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam with a double play ball.

Rodriguez then coasted the rest of the way, yielding just five hits, a walk and a hit batsman while striking out three over six innings of work for the win.

The Spikes (24-24) broke out in the second inning as Jesse Jenner led off with a single and scored on Cole Lankford's first double of the night. Lankford then crossed the plate on Jhohan Acevedo's double, with an error plating Acevedo to make it a 3-1 game.

State College tacked on another run in the seventh when Lankford began the frame with his second double and scored on R.J. Dennard's two-base hit.

Kevin Alexander (2) earned the five-out save for the Spikes as he yielded just two hits and no runs while notching a strikeout.

Infield defense was also a plus for the Spikes, as they turned three double plays, tying a season high.

Mahoning Valley (22-25) starter Kieran Lovegrove (1-4) took the loss after being tagged for three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings on the mound. Lovegrove struck out three batters in the effort.

The win put the Spikes just a half-game back of the New York-Penn League Wild Card lead into a tie for fourth with Brooklyn.

State College is now 3-0 against Mahoning Valley this season, and looks to improve that record on Monday night in a 7:05 p.m. matchup against the Scrappers at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Right-hander Dailyn Martinez (2-3) gets the start for the Spikes, while the Scrappers will counter with right-hander Leandro Linares (0-4).

It's Buck Night at the ballpark, presented by 95.3 FM 3WZ. Fans can get into the park with $1 Outfield Bleacher tickets, then enjoy $1 hot dogs, $1 small sodas and $1 peanut boats all game long.

Tuesday, the homestand concludes with a 7:05 p.m. game against Mahoning Valley. The first 500 fans through the gates when they open at 6 p.m. will receive Cowboy Monkey Rodeo-Themed T-Shirts presented by P.J. Harrigan's as part of the T-Shirt Tuesday series presented by The B94.5. The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo returns to State College on Saturday, August 15, and fans can get ready with this special edition T-Shirt.

Tickets for Monday and Tuesday, as well as every date remaining on the Spikes' 10th Season 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 Monday via the Spikes Radio Network, presented by Penn State Hershey Medical Group, 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, 95.3 FM 3WZ, and on the 3WZ mobile apps, available on Google Play and the App Store.

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New York-Penn League Stories from August 9, 2015


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