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NYPL State College Spikes

Spikes' Early Lead Evaporates in 9-5 Loss to Doubledays

June 23, 2015 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATE COLLEGE, PA - The State College Spikes jumped out in front by three runs after five innings, but the Auburn Doubledays' four-run sixth helped push them past the Spikes, 9-5, on Tuesday night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

The Spikes (1-4) got early punch thanks to Mike Pritchard's three hits, Ronnierd Garcia's two-run double in the third inning, and Casey Grayson's RBI single in the fifth, producing a 4-1 advantage going into the sixth.

However, Auburn (4-1) took advantage of three straight flare singles to start that frame, with Matthew Page's slicer to left drawing the Doubledays within two runs. After a hit batsman loaded the bases, Kelvin Gutierrez made it 4-3 by drawing a two-out walk. Jorge Tillero then greeted reliever Pedro Echemendia rudely with a two-run single to give Auburn the lead for good.

The Doubledays added a run in the seventh on Ian Sagdal's triple followed by a Bryan Mejia sacrifice fly, but the Spikes nearly came back in the eighth. Cole Lankford and Jhohan Acevedo each singled to bookend a walk to pinch-hitter Jesse Jenner. After a Danny Martin sacrifice fly, though, Auburn reliever Grant Borne (1) was able to escape and hold the lead. Three more Doubledays runs in the ninth sealed the game.

Fans at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park also saw the professional debut of Mariano Rivera, Jr. for Auburn. Rivera, the son and namesake of the legendary New York Yankees closer, was the fourth-round draft choice of the Washington Nationals this year. The Iona College product went to the mound in the sixth inning and struck out four batters while allowing two hits over two scoreless innings.

State College starter Landon Beck produced a good outing, yielding just one unearned run on two hits while striking out four batters over five frames.

Tyler Bray (0-1) took the loss after being held responsible for all four Auburn runs in the sixth. Bray gave up three hits, a walk and a hit batsman over 2/3 of an inning while recording one strikeout.

Doubledays reliever Joey Webb (2-0) got the win after allowing a run on two hits and striking out three over the fourth and fifth innings. Borne picked up the save, yielding a run on three hits and a walk while striking out two.

The Spikes now look for their first series victory of the year as they meet the Doubledays tomorrow night for a 7:05 p.m. rubber match at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. State College will send left-hander Ian McKinney (0-1), who started Opening Night for the Spikes, to the mound. Auburn will go with left-hander McKenzie Mills (0-0).

The Opening Week homestand wraps up with a Half-Price Night, presented by BIG Froggy 101. Outfield Bleacher seats will be available for just $3 apiece, and fans can purchase half-price 16-oz. select domestic draft beers from 6-8 p.m. 16-oz. sodas will also be available at half-price all evening long. It will also mark the last opportunity for Spikes fans to see the club before a six-game road trip closes out the month of June.

Tickets for Wednesday's game, as well as every game on the Spikes' 2015 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 Wednesday 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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