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NYPL State College Spikes

Spikes Succeed Early, But Yankees Strike Last to Take 6-4 Decision

July 14, 2011 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
State College Spikes News Release


STATEN ISLAND, NY - In a back-and-forth battle, the State College Spikes took advantage of early wildness by Staten Island Yankees pitching, but the Yankees landed the last blow to take a 6-4 win Thursday at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.

Staten Island (21-4) began the game, which started at 11 a.m., with a pair of runs on three hits in the first inning against State College (7-20) starter Zack Dodson, who was making his first rehab start with the Spikes from Single-A West Virginia. State College responded with its first bases-loaded hit of the year to tie the game in the second inning, as Matt Skirving singled to center to bring in a pair and make it 2-2.

The Spikes took the lead for the only time in the game in the third inning when Alex Fuselier walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on an error by Yankees second baseman Angelo Gumbs.

However, Staten Island took back the lead in the bottom half of the frame when Casey Stevenson slugged a two-run home run down to the right field line to make it 4-3, Yankees. State College tied the game when Wes Freeman crossed the plate on an error in the fourth inning, but the Yankees plated a run in the bottom half of the inning on a wild pitch by Vince Payne to take a 5-4 edge. Staten Island then completed the scoring with Stevenson's RBI single in the sixth.

Skirving was the only Spikes player with multiple hits and added two stolen bases as well as two runs batted in. Freeman also stole a base, his third in as many attempts this season.

Fraylin Campos (1-2) took the loss for State College after being charged with the go-ahead run in the fifth inning following a pair of walks. Dodson allowed four runs on six hits in the start, but also struck out five over three innings.

Staten Island reliever Michael Recchia (3-1) earned the win with 2 2/3 shutout innings, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out four. Branden Pinder (7) added another save to his league-leading total with a perfect ninth inning.

Friday, the Spikes and Yankees finish off their three-game series at Richmond County Bank Ballpark with a 7 p.m. matchup. State College will send left-hander Mike Jefferson (1-1) to the mound for his third start of the season. Jefferson went a career-long four innings in his last outing this past Friday against Batavia. The Louisiana Tech alum was rated as the seventh-best pitching prospect in the WAC entering the 2011 MLB Draft. Staten Island will go with right-hander Wilton Rodriguez (0-2).

The Spikes will return home on Sunday, July 17th, to start a two-game homestand against the rival Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies) with a 6:05 p.m. matchup. Fans can join the Spikes in honoring our nation's heroes on Military Appreciation Night, with a patriotic post-game FIREWORKS display presented by Your Building Centers. All military personnel showing the proper ID can purchase the best seats in the park for just $1, with their guests able to purchase seats at half-price.

Tickets for Sunday's game, as well as every Spikes regular season home game, 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 ticket by visiting StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Catch all of the action on Friday via the Spikes Radio Network at 6:45 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live from Richmond County Bank Ballpark. 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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