Just one day after being routed by the Williamsport Crosscutters on opening night, the State College Spikes traveled to Williamsport's Bowman Field in hopes of notching their first win of the season.
Despite waiting through a 1 hour, 35 minute rain delay and falling behind early, the Spikes managed to score three runs in the sixth inning and another in the ninth to beat the Crosscutters 4-3.
Tony Sanchez, the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, was designated to the Spikes and made his debut in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sanchez replaced catcher Miguel Mendez and was a key offensive contributor later in the game. In his first professional at bat he grounded out, but it didn't take long for Sanchez to make an impact.
In the ninth inning with the game tied at three, Sanchez lined a ball to right field to score Jose Hernandez. Sanchez's first RBI with the team would become the eventual game-winner. Sanchez will remain with the team through Wednesday and then continue his trek to the majors as he heads to Single-A West Virginia.
The Spikes also received a solid game from first baseman Justin Byler, who recorded two hits. Byler's single in the sixth inning scored Brett Willemburg, and after a double by David Rubinstein, Byler eventually scored on a balk.
The Spikes got off to a tough start, finding themselves down 2-0 after the first inning. But they managed to surrender just one more run on the evening.
Spikes starting pitcher Quinton Miller pitched four innings, giving up five hits and two runs. Diego Moreno then gave up one run before being replaced by the eventual game winner, Mike Williams.
Jordan Ellis was charged with the loss for the Crosscutters. The Crosscutters also failed to receive much offensive production from last year's first round draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies, Anthony Hewitt. Hewitt was 0-for-3 with one strikeout and had a fielding error while playing third base.
The Spikes return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park when they take on the Crosscutters in the final game of the series at 6:05 p.m. Sunday.
