Baseball

Hey Spikes fans! Happy Friday! It's Audrey here reporting from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. While State College received a lot of rain throughout the day, fortunately the game is still schedule for its 7:05 p.m. start. Luckily I haven't seen the tarp on the field tonight and let's keep it that way!

Starting lineups

Doubledays

2B Ryan Schimpf

LF Chris Hopkins

SS Ryan Goins

1B Sean Ochinko

DH Wellinton Ramirez

C Yan Gomes

RF Eric Eiland

3B Kyle Gilligan

CF Markus Brisker

LHP Evan Crawford

Spikes

SS Brock Holt

2B Ty Summerlin

CF Evan Chambers

1B Aaron Baker

DH David Rubinstein

LF Pat Irvine

3B Carlos Silva

C Craig Parry

RF Edward Garcia

LHP Tyler Cox

The Spikes (20-21) hope Silva's hot bat will continue after he played a major role in the three road wins. Tonight game with the Doubledays (16-25) marks the beginning of a seven game home stand. It will be interesting to see if the Spikes can bounce back after dropping the second game of last night's doubleheader.

Top 1st

Schimpf- grounded out to 2B

Hopkins- popped out to LF

Goins-K

0-0

Bottom 1st

After some technical difficulties here in the box we are back up and running.

Holt-single to 1B; Holt hit a chopper to the first baseman who was unable to hit the pitcher in stride as he tried to cover the bag.

Summerlin- Holt steals 2B; popped out in foul territory behind third base

Chambers-BB; runners on first and second one out

Baker-k looking, Baker was caught off guard by a fat change up

Rubinstein- grounds out to 2B; runners left on first and second base

0-0

Top 2nd

Copain and I were just stumped by the guess that baseball phrase thing that pops up on the scoreboard. Its like a simplified version of wheel of fortune, but without the wheel:)

Copain was shouting out wrong answers that clearly weren't even close to the answer of Drag bunt. Copain's guess...... Trade bait. So I guess he missed the fact that they gave the letters d, a, g, b and oh yes even t!! Oh Copain, but I wasn't much better either I refused to even guess.

Ochinko-count is full, grounds out to SS Holt

Ramirez- single over the head of SS Holt

Gomes- 1b to LF

Eiland- BB, bases loaded, 1 out

Gilligan-grounds into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning and take away the threat of any Doubledays runs

0-0

Inflatable mascots just took the field down the first baseline for some entertainment. Bear Bonds and Harry Canary were quite exciting as they danced around, but the biggest laugh came when Bonds fell on the wet grass and struggled to get back up. It's something about injured mascots that I find entertaining. Now back to the game....

Irvine- rips an off speed pitch back up the middle for a single

Silva- making his first plate appearance at Medlar Field this season, count is full Irvine picked off trying to steal 2B; Silva walks

Parry-BB

Garcia- count is 2-0, meeting on the mound; grounds into 4-6-3 double play to end the inning

0-0

Top 3rd

Brisker-popped out to CF Chambers

Schimpf- single to RF

Hopkins-Silva dives to make the stop, he is unable to get the runner at 2B, but throws from his knees to retire the runner at first base

Goins-k

0-0

Bottom 3rd

Apparently these inflatable creatures are part of the evening. There are pretty hilarious as Cow Ripken Jr. just attacked a Doubledays player and battled in some sort of dance off. It was very strange.

Holt-blooped a single down the third base line

Summerlin-k swinging

Chambers- grounded out to 3B, Holt out at 2B, Chambers safe at 1B

Baker-flied out to CF

0-0

Top 4th

Ochinko-K

Ramirez-flied out to shallow RF, catch made by Summerlin

Gomes-K looking

0-0

Bottom 4th

Rubinstein-flied out in foul territory

Irvine-K

Silva- grounded out to 3B

0-0

Top 5th

Another crazy inflatable creature is on the field. This time it is number 23 Mackerel Jordan. This crazy act is spitting out baseballs and just ate the Spikes' bat boy. I'm anxious to see where and or how the bat boy comes out. He just was thrown out of the mouth of the fish and was wearing Spongebob boxers and high socks. Quite the unique look.

Pitching change for the Spikes: LHP Nelson Pereira now enters the game

Eiland- K swinging

Gilligan-single back to the pitcher

Brisker-popped out to 2B Summerlin

Schimpf-Gilligan steals 2B, Parry's throw off line, but stopped by Holt; grounded out to 1B Baker

0-0

Bottom 5th

Parry- count is full, BB

Garcia- trying for the sacrifice bunt and pops the first two pitches up into foul territory, offers with the bunt on strike three

Holt-flied out to LF

Summerlin-Parry steals 2B, runner on second with 2 outs, BB

Chambers-meeting on the mound, pitching change RHP Jamie Lehman enters for the Doubledays. 2 outs, Chambers count is full, BB

Baker- bases loaded with two outs, K

0-0

Top 6th

Hopkins-K swinging

Goins-K swinging

Ochinko-K swinging

0-0

Bottom 6th

RHP Zach Anderson enters for the Doubledays

Rubinstein-1B to CF

Irvine-K swinging

Silva-1b to RF, runners on first and second with one out.

Parry-On a night like this where there have only been nine singles combined by both teams only a few things can help keep me alert. One of those is Parry's entrance song. "Wild at Heart" by the up and coming country group Glorianna is just enough to wake me up and keep my attention for a bit. Glorianna is currently touring with Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler so be sure to check them out when the hit the BJC Aug. 29th.

Parry flied out to deep RF, Rubinstein tug up and is on 3B with two outs

Garcia-flied out to right-center field. So much for scoring any runs any time soon. We are deadlocked at zero.

0-0

Top 7th

Ramirez-K swinging

Gomes-flied out to 1B Baker in foul territory

Eiland-BB

Gilligan- they have him entering to the Gilligans Island theme song how catchy. Flies out to CF

0-0

Bottom 7th

After a splendid rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame from one of the blow up creatures we are now listening to one of Copain's favorite songs Space Jam!! Copain just observed the inflatable man shooting silly string and water out of his belt. What talent. To quote Copain, "It's disturbing."

Pitching change for the Doubledays: RHP Brian Justice enters the game

Holt- Jacks the third pitch over the RF wall for a home run. First run of the game has been scored, 1-0 Spikes. That was Holt's second HR in as many nights

Summerlin- K

Chambers-grounded out to 3B

Baker-K

1-0 Spikes

Top 8th

Brisker- flied out to LF

Schimpf-grounded out to 2B Summerlin

Hopkins-K looking

1-0 Spikes

Bottom 8th

Rubinstein-flied out to RF

Irvine-K swinging

Silva-K looking

1-0 Spikes

Top 9th

Pitching change: RHP Marc Baca enters for the Spikes

Well it's the last chance for the Doubledays to try and rally.

Goins-flied out to LF

Ochinko- grounds out to SS Holt

Ramirez-3-1 count, 1B to LF

Gomes- Ramirez steals 2B, 2-2 count K

Spikes win 1-0

The Spikes (21-21) had six hits in the game, while the Doubledays (16-26) had five hits. Nelson Pereira records the win for the Spikes.

The Spikes continue the series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m.

Have a good night folks! Comments

Baseball

It's Audrey here, delivering the latest Spikes roster move.

Third baseman Matt Payne has been released from the Spikes' roster. The infielder who was in his second season with the team struggled early on and was unable to rebound from his rough start. In the 10 games Payne played with the team he was only able to record a .129 batting average and was tied for second on the team with six errors.

Payne was selected by the Pirates in the 34th round (1,014 overall) in the 2008 draft.

Payne didn't see much action during the last three weeks and it seemed as if it was only a matter of time until he was sent packing. The third baseman had only appeared in four games in the month of July. Comments

Baseball

Starting lineups for tonight's game

Muckdogs

CF-Beau Riportella

SS-Ryan Jackson

3B-Alan Ahmady

1B-Xavier Scruggs

RF-Ryde Rodriguez

DH-Niko Vasquez

C-Ivan Castro

LF-Jairo Martinez

2B-Guillermo Toribio

RHP-Tyler Leach

Spikes

SS-Brock Holt

2B-Ty Summerlin

CF-Evan chambers

1B-Aaron Baker

DH-David Rubinstein

LF-Pat Irvine

RF-Edward Garcia

3B-Andy Vasquez

C-Miguel Mendez

LHP-Phil Dumatrait

Top 1st

Riportella- ripped the first pitch to CF for a single. I don't think he wasted any time attacking Dumatrait's big league fastball

Jackson-popped out to LF

Ahmady- flied out to Holt at SS

Scruggs- Dumatrait is throwing in the low 90's which will be interesting to see how the Muckdogs adjust to his velocity. Riportella was just gunned down by Mendez as he tried to steal 2B. Mendez reeled off a beautiful throw to get the third out of the inning. Dumatrait threw five pitches in the inning.

0-0

Bottom 1st

Holt-stand up double. RF Rodriguez charged in way to far to try and make the play and ended up missing the ball by a long shot on what should have been a routine play.

Summerlin- flied out to deep center field and Holt advanced to 3B

Chambers-fouled out to the first baseman with a pop near the Spikes dug out;

2 outs

Baker- RBI double, Baker ripped the ball down the first base line and the RF did not field it cleanly, easily allowing Baker to make it to second. Holt scored

1-0 Spikes

Rubinstein- RBI single to shallow CF, Baker scores

2-0 Spikes

Irvine-fielder's choice to the SS

The Spikes did a nice job of being aggressive at the plate with two outs and were able to jump out to the early lead over the Muckdogs.

2-0 Spikes

Top 2nd

Scruggs-blasted the second pitch thrown to him nearly slicing around the LF foul pole. After a fiery confrontation from the third base coach the official ruling is now a HR. Spikes Manager Gary Robinson made sure to talk to the umpire as well, perhaps to get a better clarification on why it took so long for the ruling.

2-1 Spikes

Rodriguez- grounded out to 1B

Vasquez- K

Castro- flied out to RF

The Muckdogs showed signs of life and were able to post their first run of the series after getting shut out last night. I wonder how long Dumatrait will go tonight in his rehab appearance?

2-1 Spikes

Bottom 2nd

Garcia-K

Vasquez- Having Garcia and Vasquez in the 7th and 8th spots assures me of one thing-lively dance music.As they step up to the plate the upbeat tempo blasts throughout the park keeping the fans and Copian awake.

Vasquez- full count, triples with a ball that the CF misplayed. The CF, which is different than the one from last night's game tried to run straight back and had no luck holding on to the bell. The outfield continues to be a problem for the Muckdogs who have already misplayed a ball in RF tonight.

Mendez- 1 out, Vasquez on 3B, bloop single over the SS head

3-1 Spikes

The Nookie Monster has already made three appearances tonight, could we see more?

Holt- singles past the SS, and Mendez advances to 2B

Summerlin-lined out to the second baseman, easily doubling up Mendez who had a decent lead off of the bag

3-1 Spikes

Oh and I have just gotten confirmation that the Zebra I mentioned in the pre game post is officially named Zippy. Quite creative

Top 3rd

Martinez- K

Toribio-fouled out to 1B Baker who made the play near the Spikes dug out

Riportella-K

Dumatrait is using a great deal of off-speed pitches to fan Muckdogs' batters after using his fastball to glide through the first inning.

3-1 Spikes

Bottom 3rd

Chambers- flies out to deep LF

Baker- flied out to CF, maybe the Muckdogs' outfield is finally getting their act together after mishaps earlier in the game.

Rubinstein- fouls a ball off the box next to us and I get my wish...the catchy broken glass commercial. It's something about the sound of shattering glass at a minor league park that I just find fascinating. Rubinstein flies out to RF

3-1 Spikes

Top 4th

Jackson-singled to RF

Ahmady-full count, stand up double to CF, Jackson advances to third base with no outs

Scruggs-fielder's choice to 3B Vasquez who has the ball bounce up on him, but is able to regain control and fire the runner out at the plate. 1 out

Rodriguez-RBI single over the head of SS Holt. Jackson scores

3-2 Spikes

Vasquez-flied out to RF, runners hold

Castro-lined out to 2B Summerlin

The Muckdogs were able to put another run on the board and were starting to wear away at Dumatrait. It seems that Dumatrait is having better luck with commanding his off-speed pitches after watching last inning.

3-2 Spikes

Bottom 4th

Irvine-flied out to CF

Garcia-flied out to deep CF. The center fielder looked like he was back peddling the entire time trying to catch up to the ball. Maybe if he would have taken a run at it sideways it would have made for an easier play. First step should always be back then turn sideways and run it down if need be, just pointing it out.

Vasquez- K

3-2 Spikes

Top 5th

Martinez-safe at first base after a fielding error by Ty Summerlin

Toribio- fielding error on Vasquez who did a nice job of using the backhand to field the ball but then lost it in transition for the throw, runners at first and second

Riportella- sacrifice bunt down the third base line fielded cleanly by Vasquez, runners advance, 1 out.

Jackson-Sacrifice fly to LF. Irvine made a nice play to slide in and make the play, but the ball was it too deep to try and get the tagging runner out at the plate

Tied at 3

Ahmady- 2 outs, runner on second, hits the ball to Holt at SS, Holt throws it a bit low to Baker at first base, but Baker is unable to pick up the low ball, allowing the runner to score. Error is charged to Holt. It's the third Spikes error of the inning. Muckdogs take the lead 4-3

Scruggs- K

Three errors cost the Spikes two runs as the Muckdogs take the lead.

4-3 Muckdogs

Bottom 5th

Mendez-grounds out to the third baseman

Holt- stand up double to RF, while Holt's new song which I'm still trying to figure out what it's called, seems a bit depressing apparently it's working for him. Holt ripped a stand up double.

Summerlin- grounds out to first baseman, Holt advances to third base with two outs

Chambers-flied out to CF

4-3 Muckdogs

Top 6th

Just finished the eye race, where Iris outlasted the competition to notch another win.

Pitching change for the Spikes: LHP Nelson Pereira enters the game

Rodriguez- K

Vasquez-pops out to ss Holt

Castro-single up the middle

Martinez-flied out to CF Chambers

4-3 Muckdogs

Bottom 6th

Pitching change: RHP Christopher Corrigan enters for the Muckdogs

Baker-grounded out to the shortstop. Jackson made a beautiful backhand snag on the hard hit ball to retire Baker

Rubinstein-grounds out to 3B

Irvine- I must say Irvine's song, which is part of the Remember the Titans soundtrack, is an awesome way to step up to the plate. Even though he struck out swinging, mad props on the song.

4-3 Muckdogs

Top 7th

Toribio- K

Riportella-popped out in foul territory to 1B Baker

Jackson-flied out to LF Irvine.

4-3 Muckdogs

The pop out to Irvine made me think of his at-bat song which I was finally able to recall. It's called Up Around the Bend by the one and only Creedence Clearwater Revival. It's definitely worth taking a listen to.

Bottom 7th

Garcia- count is full, BB; the first walk of the game for both teams

Vasquez-grounds into 6-4-3 double play

Mendez-singles to the right-center gap with two outs

Holt-grounds out to the pitcher

4-3 Muckdogs

Top 8th

Ahmady-grounds out to shortstop Holt

Scruggs-fouled out to 1B Baker

Rodriguez-BB, Pereira's first walk issued tonight

Vasquez-K

4-3 Muckdogs

Bottom 8th

Summerlin-check swings and makes contact, grounding out to the third baseman

Chambers-grounds out to second baseman

Baker-K

4-3 Muckdogs

Top 9th

Castro-popped out to 2B Summerlin

Martinez-K, Pereira's 4th of the game

Toribio-fielding error on Holt as Toribio reaches first safely. Holt tried to backhand the ball and was unable to keep it in his glove, causing his second error of the game. His first error was a throwing error in the fifth inning.

Riportella- Toribio was thrown out trying to steal second base by a perfect throw from Mendez. It's the second runner Mendez has thrown out tonight.

4-3 Muckdogs

There is currently an five member pep band standing on top of the dug out playing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." It's just been a strange night since the mascot kick ball game.

Bottom 9th

Pitching change: RHP LaCurtis Mayes enters for the Muckdogs

Rubinstein- I guess we will find out if the Spikes have a comeback in them. Spikes get off to a good start with Rubinstein singling to LF

Irvine- showing bunt and fouls it, now taking the count to 1-2. Flies out to deep right-center field and Rubinstein holds at first

Garcia- Rubinstein advances to second on a passed ball; K swinging

Vasquez- the Spikes have a runner on second with two outs as the fans are clapping, hoping for a rally; Zombie Nation is playing as Vasquez now has the count at 2-1, he fouls it off to keep his at-bat alive. Vasquez strikes out swinging on a 91 mph fastball to end the game.

Final 4-3 Muckdogs win

The Spikes (17-20) were unable to overcome a fifth inning where they surrendered two runs on three errors. Nelson Pereira pitched four innings in relief of starter Phil Dumatrait and gave up only one hit. The Spikes now hit the road for a five game road trip which begins tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. when they take on the Auburn Doubledays in the first of a two game series.

As the fireworks light up the sky it means it's my time to get back to work--Audrey Comments

Baseball

Hey folks! It's Audrey here coming to you from the press box at Medlar Field. It's time for another great Short-Season single A pregame promotion. Tonight is mascot mania and if you thought Reggie the Purple thing was crazy last night, (Copain thought he was) we've taken insanity to another level. Along the first base line numerous mascots decided to play a game of kickball. There was Ike, the Nookie Monster, Grimace from McDonalds, the Hamburglar, the blood hound from the Red Cross, the State High Lion, a zebra and some other strange looking furry thing. Ike was the ace tonight and stole the show. He pitched two strong innings and even had a lead off in the park home run. Unfortunately Ike's efforts didn't mean too much as his highly talented squad ended the game in a tie. The ending could have been a little better, but I had to stop Copain from trying to start a riot over not playing extra innings. Mr. Hustle aka Smoky the Bear, got quite the cardio workout when he sprinted across the field after a liner from Ike the Spike. Smoky looked to be a bit winded, maybe years of second hand smoke from forest fires does that to you.The mascots have now left the field and I don't know how the big purple blog known as Grimace made it off the field under his own will. Grimace nearly tripped over the people who were lining the infield but have no fear disaster was avoided. Comments

Baseball

Greetings Spikes fans! It's Audrey, here to report a roster change. RHP Owen Brolsma will be joining the Spikes. Brolsma is coming to State College after playing in 27 games with Single-A West Virginia.

In his 27 games this season he has pitched 37 innings, yielding 12 earned runs and has recorded two saves. He will bring his 2.92 ERA with him to State College. The 24 year old spent time with the Spikes last season where he appeared in 21 games and watched as his ERA rose to 10.01.

Brolsma was the Pirates' 48th round pick in the 2008 draft.

It is still undetermined what number he will wear. We will keep you posted if we find out more information. See you at the park! Comments

Baseball

Top 9th

Teddy Fallon now pitching for the Spikes. Holden's line: one inning, no hits, runs, walks or strikeouts

Jackson - singles on first pitch to right field (won't test Garcia's arm like Rodriguez did in the seventh)

Ingram - pops out to third

Goodwin - flies out to right (Garcia has an absolute cannon. He almost doubles off Jackson from first)

Fans left at Medlar start the slow clap with two strikes and two outs - and Fallon subsequently uncorks a wild pitch to the backstop.

Ahmady - grounds out to short

Spikes win 8-0. Players slap hands and townspeople rejoice.

Final Boxscores

Batavia - no runs, four hits, no errors

State College - eight runs, seven hits, no errors

WP: Bankston (2-3)

LP: Hooker (1-3)

We'll see you tomorrow night at the park when the Spikes finish off the series with Batavia at 6:05 p.m. for Phil Dumatrait-mania

Bot 8th

Josh Squatrito now pitching for Batavia

Rosales' line: one inning, one hit, one run, one walk

Chambers - grounds out to short

Baker - strikes out swinging

Byler - grounds out to third

End 8th, 8-0 Spikes

Top 8th

Brandon Holden now pitching for State College, pitching for the second straight night.

Final line on Bankston: seven innings, no runs, three hits, one walk, three strikeouts

Mniaci here, briefly taking over for Copain.

Vasquez- flies out to left

De La Cruz - flies out to right

Copain here, retaking the blog after an epic kung fu battle with Miniaci. (I lied, Miniaci points out he would own me in a fight)

Martinez - flies out to right

Mid 8th, 8-0 Spikes

Bot 7th

Final line on Richardson - two innings, one hit, three runs, three walks, one strikeout

Andres Rosales is the new pitcher for Batavia. Irvine greets him by sending his second pitch over the wall in right center for a solo homer. It's Irvine's first home run and 17th RBI of the season. 8-0 Spikes.

Garcia - walks

Vasquez - flies out to center

Parry - hit by pitch (again - second time he's been hit tonight)

Holt - pops out to second on over the shoulder catch by Goodwin

Summerlin - flies out to left

End 7th, 8-0 Spikes

Top 7th

Bankston's longest start this season with the Spikes was seven innings July 8 against Batavia. He starts the seventh tonight.

Ahmady - grounds out to third

Scruggs - pops out to second

Fantastic catch by the fan in the box on a foul ball. He gets his traditional cheer from the crowd

Rodriguez - singles to right in front of a sliding Garcia. Garcia misses it badly, but recovers by firing a strike to throw out Rodriguez at second

Mid 7th, 7-0 Spikes

Iris (Blue) finally got a win in the eye race by knocking Evil (green) out in the final moments. Serves me right for going with the favorite.

Final line on Batavia starter Deryk Hooker: four innings, five hits, four runs, three walks, two strikeouts

Bot 6th

Vasquez - grounds out to short

Parry - hit by pitch; caught stealing at second

Holt - walked

Summerlin - walked

As Chambers comes up, I feel it should be mandatory that every team have one player whose at-bat music is Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne.

Chambers - walks

Miniaci's getting sick of 500 miles by the Proclaimers. He should. He's heard it six times tonight (Six Spikes walks)

Baker - RBI triple that clears the bases. Holt, Summerlin and Chambers score as Ingram misplays a fly ball for the second time tonight. Both times he ended up missing on a dive. 7-0 Spikes

Byler - strikes out

End 6th, 7-0 Spikes

Top 6

Reggy just appeared with an inflated monkey. Just saying.

Martinez - pops out to second

Jackson - (Audrey finally gets her smashing glass) - grounds out to third

Ingram - doubles down the left field line

Goodwin - grounds out to second

Time for the eye race, my money's on the green eye

Mid 6th, 4-0 Spikes

It's been almost half the game, there hasn't been one smashing glass commercial with a foul ball. Audrey is bewildered

Bot 5th

Dan Richardson now pitching for Batavia

Byler - grounds out to third

Irvine - grounds out to the pitcher, who catches it behind his back and makes a flip to first

Garcia - grounds out to short

End 5th, 4-0 Spikes

For a mascot, Ike the Spike manuevers very nicely on the dugout looking to handout free chocolate. He has the grace of a gazelle. He's like the Jerry Rice of minor league mascots

Top 5

Rodriguez - flies out to center field; almost a disaster but Chambers makes the play

Vasquez - grounds out to first

De La Cruz - pops out to shortstop

Mid 5th, 4-0 Spikes

Bot 4th

Vasquez - grounds out to the pitcher

Parry - walks

Holt - grounds into fielder's choice. Parry out at second on diving stop by Jackson at short; steals second during Summerlin's at bat

Summerlin - RBI triple to center field out of the reach of a diving Ingram, Holt scores.

4-0 Spikes

Chambers - walks

Baker - grounds out to first

End 4th, 4-0 Spikes

The Umpire finally gave in to Regina's advances (Reggy's mom), giving her a dance and a kiss. I must say, he held out pretty long for a mascot as breathtaking as Regina

Top 4th

Goodwin - pops out to short

Ahmady - strikes out swinging

Scruggs - strikes out swinging

Mid 4th, 3-0 Spikes

Bottom 3rd

Music has been strong tonight. In a three minute span, we went from Zeppelin to White Stripes to that Foo Fighters song from Varsity Blues

Baker (the clean-up hitter) - Doubles to left field off the wall. Jairo Martinez picked a fight with the wall. Guess who won? (hint: not Martinez)

Byler - strikes out swinging

Irvine (I have confirmed it is The Rock's old entrance music that Irvine's coming out to tonight) - flies to left

Garcia - bloop RBI single to right field, Baker scores. 3-0 Spikes

With Vasquez batting, Garcia thrown out trying to steal second

End 3rd, 3-0 Spikes

Top 3rd

Martinez - flied out to center

Jackson - flied out to center

Ingram - pops out to Vasquez

Mid 3rd, 2-0 Spikes

Bottom 2nd

I don't think it was the first base coach Reggy was messin' with last inning, seeing that said first base coach was doing splits with him between innings.

Back to computron mode

Garcia - doubles to right center field

Vasquez - grounds to pitcher, Garcia safe at third base, Vasquez ends up at second. Might be the first time I've ever seen a two-base fielder's choice.

They're trying to lure out the Nookie Monster, he's lurking like Jaws

Parry - grounds out to second; nice play by Goodwin on a dive. Garcia scores, Vasquez moves to third. 1-0 Spikes

Holt - strikes out, catcher drops ball and throws to first to complete play.

Summerlin - RBI single to left field, Vasquez scores. 2-0 Spikes

Chambers -

Summerlin almost gets picked off and ends up in a rundown, but somehow makes it back to first when Scruggs misses the tag and no one's covering first. His efforts go for naught as Chambers flies out to right

End 2nd, 2-0 Spikes

Top 2nd

Sports editor Dave Miniaci wants me to add more humanity. So i've added Reggy the Purple People thing getting elbowed by the Batavia first base coach followed by a fan catching a foul ball in his cap.

Now back to soulless blogging.

Rodriguez - flies out to center

Vasquez - grounds out to short (Reggy is having fun with the Batavia first base coach, I think)

De La Cruz - hits a ball off of Summerlin into right field; ruled a single

Martinez - De La Cruz caught stealing at second (while Reggy gets a fist bump from Bankston)

Mid 2nd, no score

Bottom 1st

Holt - pops out to second

Summerlin - lines out to second

Chambers - walks

Baker - hit by pitch

Byler - hit by pitch

Irvine (who I believe has changed his at-bat song to The Rock's entrance music) - grounds into fielder's choice; Byler out at second. Spikes leave bases loaded.

End 1st; no score

Top 1st

Spikes breaking out the Camouflage uniforms tonight with the American flags, looking pretty spiffy. As long as its not the tuxedo unis that Triple-A Lehigh Valley wore recently, it's OK in my book.

Ingram - grounds out to short

Goodwin - strikes out looking on a full count

Ahmady - walks

Scruggs - grounds into fielder's choice at second

Mid 1st, no score

Update - 7:15: First pitch now at 7:25

Update - 6:41: Tarp's coming off the field right now, the p.a. has officially announced they are shooting for a 7:20 first pitch. Again, I will update if anything changes, but right now they are aiming for first pitch around 7:20 - Copain

Update - 6:30: Tarp is still on the field and it's still raining. No official announcement on a delay or a new start time, but I will let you know when we do - Copain

Good evening from Medlar Field everybody.

Copain here (apparently I wasn't allergic to the potato salad) to take you through tonight's game, the first of a two-game series between the Spikes and the Batavia Muckdogs.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this game will start on time. A storm is coming through the area and while Medlar Field hasn't become Medlar Lake like it did Thursday, it's looking like there will be a delay before this game gets underway.

Speaking of tonight's game, the Spikes come into tonight's game on a two-game winning streak after sweeping the doubleheader Friday night with Mahoning Valley. A couple of facts from last night's games:

First winning streak for the Spikes since July 9-10

First time Spikes scored double-digit runs since July 5 and the fourth time the Spikes have scored 10 or more runs this season.

First time Spikes scored more than five runs since July 12

Tonight the Spikes try to keep the momentum going by sending righty Maurice Bankston (1-3, 3.00) to the hill. Bankston has pitched relatively well in his last two starts, but he came out the loser both times. Bankston actually has allowed more than two earned runs only once (July 14 at Tri-City), but something to note is that Bankston has ran into trouble in the fifth inning each of his last two starts.

The Muckdogs counter with righthander Deryk Hooker (1-2, 3.51). Hooker pitched five innings in his last start July 20 at Oneonta. Hooker got a no-decision, allowing two runs and four hits while striking out six.

With that here are the starting lineups:

Batavia (18-17)

D'Marcus Ingram - CF

Devin Goodwin - 2B

Alan Ahmady - DH

Xavier Scruggs - 1B

Ryde Rodriguez - RF

Niko Vasquez - 3B

Luis De La Cruz - C

Jairo Martinez - LF

Ryan Jackson - SS

Deryk Hooker - SP

State College (16-19)

Brock Holt - SS

Ty Summerlin - 2B

Evan Chambers - CF

Aaron Baker - DH

Justin Byler - 1B

Pat Irvine - LF

Edward Garcia - RF

Andy Vasquez - 3B

Craig Parry - C

Maurice Bankston - SP Comments

Baseball

Starting Lineups - Game 2

Mahoning Valley

CF Jordan Henry

SS Kyle Smith

RF Jason Smit

DH Kyle Bellows

LF Greg Folgia

1B Ben Carlson

3B Rafael Vera

2B Casey Frawley

C Dwight Childs

P Jose Urena

State College Spikes

SS Brock Holt

2B Ty Summerlin

CF Evan Chambers

1B Aaron Baker

DH David Rubinstein

LF Butch Biela

RF Edward Garcia

3B Andy Vasquez

C Miguel Mendez

P Mike Felix

After the walk-off passed ball to end game one, the fans are strolling through the concourse preparing for game two. It's Audrey here in the press box at Medlar Field and with the lights now beaming on the field let's get this game under way.

Top 1st

Henry-grounded out to third baseman Vasquez

Smith-single to left-center field

Smit-reached on fielder's choice, Smith out at second

Bellows-Smit advances to second on a wild pitch; flied out to second baseman Summerlin as he shattered his bat.

0-0

Bottom 1st

Holt- BB

Summerlin-fielding error on first baseman Carlson; Holt and Summerlin safe

Chambers-grounds into 4-6-3 double play; Holt on third base

Baker-RBI single to CF, Holt scores

Rubinstein-k swinging

1-0 Spikes

Top 2nd

Folgia-K

Carlson-grounded out to second baseman Summerlin

Vera-BB

Frawley- Home run to LF. Frawley got all of his bat on that one and as soon as the ball

was in the air there was no doubt that it was leaving the park.

2-1 Scrappers

Childs- Hit by Pitch

Henry-BB

Pitching change- right hander Zach Foster enters for the Spikes

Smith-lines out to second baseman Summerlin

2-1 Scrappers

The human hamster ball has just taken place, which is one of my favorite activities at the park. I love watching the challengers come charging out of right field in the inflatable balls, only to see a person wipe out. Maybe one day I will be fortunate enough to run in a human hamster ball. We can only hope.

Bottom 2nd

Biela-BB

Garcia-fielder's choice to shortstop. Biela out at second, Garcia narrowly beat out the throw

Vasquez- Garcia picked off by a long shot trying to steal second base; Vasquez singles to LF

Mendez-Vasquez steals second base; Mendez walks

Holt steps up to the plate with a new musical selection. His new song, "Chicken Fried" by the Atlanta based, Zac Brown Band is one of my favorites. And you can say you read it here first, the Zac Brown Band will continue to do great things in the world of country music!

Runners advance on a passed ball

Holt- doubles to deep right-center field and Vasquez and Mendez score

Summerlin-lined out to second

3-2 Spikes

Top 3rd

Smit-BB

Bellows- Smit steals second; K

Folgia-double to left-center field. Chambers made a strong effort to dive for the ball, but his outstretched body was unable to close in on the hard hit ball; Smit scores

Carlson- grounded out to second baseman Summerlin; Folgia advances to third base

Vera-BB

Frawley-flied out to RF

Tied at 3

Bottom 3rd

Chambers-single to CF

Baker-fielder's choice, Chambers out at second. Baker safe at first base

Rubinstein-single past a diving Smith at shortstop

Biela-single to RF, takes second base on the throw. Baker scores, Rubinstein to third

Garcia-RBI, grounded out to SS

The Nookie Monster has emerged from behind the LF wall and wow does he have a lot to cheer about now. Spikes lead 5-3

Vasquez- K

5-3 Spikes

Top 4th

Childs-flied out to deep left field

Henry-grounds out to first baseman Baker

Smith-K

5-3 Spikes

Bottom 4th

Pitching change: RHP Guido Fonseca enters for the Scrappers

Mendez-grounded out to SS

Holt-Former JoePa guru and Collegian editor Virginia Harrison also agrees that Holt's new song is a great choice. Holt legged out an infield single to first base. Could it be the new song that has Holt playing well tonight? We think so.

Summerlin-Holt takes second on an error by the first baseman; Summerlin walks

Chambers- runners advance on passed ball; Chambers walksBases loaded, one out.Meeting on the mound

Baker-Sacrifice fly to right-center field. Holt scores, Summerlin to third base, Chambers to second base

6-3 Spikes

Rubinstein-triples to right-center field, Summerlin scores, Chambers scores

8-3 Spikes

Rubinstein's triple was a deep ball, but I'm not so sure the Scrappers shouldn't have made the out. From here it looked like RF Smit was going to make the play but lost track of the ball at the last moment.

Biela-BB

This has definitely not been the best display of pitching by either team tonight. Fonseca is getting torched by the Spikes batters tonight.

Garcia- triples to left-center field right near the Nookie Monster's Nook; Rubinstein scores, Biela scores

10-3 Spikes

Vasquez- grounds out to SS

The Spikes just finished a five-run inning and with the game only slated for seven innings many fans are making their way to the exits.

10-3 Spikes

Top 5th

Smit- grounded out to the pitcher

Bellows-flied out to LF

Folgia- flied out to RF

10-3 Spikes

It's that time of the evening folks, get ready for the 5th inning stretch.

Bottom 5th

Pitching change: RHP Jeremy Johnson enters for the Scrappers

Mendez-grounded out to second baseman

Holt-flied out to third baseman in foul territory

Summerlin-flied out to short stop

10-3 Spikes

Top 6th

Pitching change: Alan Knotts enters the game for the Spikes

Carlson-singled to LF

Chants of "Fear the Deer" are spreading throughout the crowd of remaining spectators. Tonight's attendance was a strong 4,370, but many have already left the park.

Vera- singled to left-center field; Carlson to third base

Frawley-grounded out to second, Carlson scored

Childs- flied out to CF

Henry- singled to center field

Smith- singled to center field, Vera scores

Meeting on the mound

10-5 Spikes

Smit-singles to short stop Holt, Henry scores, Smith to third

Aponte- popped out to RF

10-6 Spikes

Bottom 6th

Chambers-BB

Baker-doubles to LF, Chambers to third base

Rubinstein-K

Biela-K

Garcia-grounds out to second baseman

10-6 Spikes

Top 7th

Knotts remains in the game for the Spikes

Folgia- singles to left- center field

Carlson-K

Vera-grounds out to short stop Holt, Folgia to third

Frawley-grounded out to third base to end the game

Spikes win 10-6

With a few fireworks coming from beyond the center-field wall the Spikes have put this one in the books. See you tomorrow night folks! Comments

Baseball

Greetings baseball fans! It's Audrey coming to you live from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park where the State College Spikes are taking on the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the first game of today's doubleheader. Reminder Short Season Single-A fans, each game will be only seven innings because of last night's postponed match up.The fans are slowly trickling in as there currently sits one lone supporter out in the bleacher seats. With onlookers wearing their pajamas as part of tonight's promotion, fans can only hope the Spikes can put their current struggles to bed.Taking the mound for the Spikes is right hander Kyle McPherson, while Preston Guilmet is starting for the Scrappers. Here are today's starting lineups

Spikes:

SS Brock Holt

2B Ty Summerlin

Cf Evan Chambers

1B Aaron Baker

LF Pat Irvine

DH Justin Byler

C Craig Parry

3B Andy Vasquez

RF Kyle Saukko

Scrappers:

CF Jordan Henry

SS Kyle Smith

1B Jason Smit

C Chun Chen

3B Kyle Bellows

DH Ben Carlson

LF Greg Folgia

RF Tim Palincsar

2B Justin Toole

Top 1st

With the first pitch under way a few minutes early, the Scrappers aren't wasting much time putting runners on base. It looks like it could be a long seven innings as the Spikes surrendered six hits in the opening frame. Jordan Henry led off with a single up the middle, Kyle Smith followed with a single to RF and Jason Smit singled to CF. Kyle Bellows recorded an RBI single to LF, Ben Carlson snuck a pop fly over the head of second baseman Ty Summerlin and Greg Folgia recorded a long single to right field. Folgia nearly missed a home run as his ball hit off the top of the wall causing confusion on the base paths. McPherson bounced back with a strikeout and got Justin Toole to pop out to Brock Holt at shortstop.

3-0 Scrappers

Bottom 1st

The Spikes were unable to get the offense going as it was three up and three down. And as for the fans, there is still only one in the right field bleachers. Holt grounded out to third base, Summerlin flied out to RF, and Evan Chambers struck out looking.

3-0 Scrappers

Top 2nd

McPherson and the Spikes were able to settle down as they returned the favor by sitting down three consecutive Scrappers.

Henry flied out to LF

Smith flied out to RF

Smit grounded out to 1B

3-0 Scrappers

Bottom 2nd

Aaron Baker grounded out to the pitcher

Pat Irvine flied out to CF

Justin Byler BB

Byler nearly avoided the pick off at first base by diving back under the glove of first baseman Jason Smit.

Craig Parry K swinging

3-0 Scrappers

Top 3rd

Chen liner up the middle, beyond the outstretched bare hand of McPherson. Had McPherson been able to grab hold of that ball, he would surely be feeling the effects of that 89 mph fastball.

Bellows- BB

Carlson- k swinging.

McPherson caught Carlson with a nice 77 mph off-speed pitch

Folgia-BB

Bases loaded

Palincsar-grounded into 4-6-3 double play to end the inning and get the Spikes out of what could have been a huge jam.

3-0 Scrappers

Bottom 3rd

Vasquez- single to shallow CF. Vasquez showed heads up base running as he advanced to second base when he noticed no Scrappers were covering the base.

Saukko- reached on error as first baseman Jason Smit dropped the ball

Holt- RBI single

Summerlin- RBI single

Chambers- K

Baker- RBI single

Irvine- grounds into 6-4-3 double play to end the inning

Tied at 3

Top 4th

Pitcher Mike Williams enters the game for the Spikes

Toole- grounded out to shortstop Holt

Henry-K

Smith- singled to LF

Smit-lined out to 2b Summerlin

Tied at 3

Copain and I are sitting here taking in the atmosphere as we chow down on some quality potato salad. Copain right now is in the lead for quote of the night as he finished his potato salad and questioned whether or not it has eggs in it. He then mentions that he is allergic so I will let you know if he starts to swell up!

Bottom 4th

Byler-grounded out to third base

Parry- single

Vasquez- fouled out to third base

Saukko-singled to RF

Holt-grounded out to second base

Tied at 3

Top 5th

Chen-singled to LF

Bellows- single to RF

Carlson- flied out to CF

Folgia-BB

Palincsar- Chen picked off at third base; 2 outs, grounds out to second base

Tied at 3

Fans in attendance are making the most of the abbreviated of game by participating in the 5th inning stretch.

Bottom 5th

Summerlin- grounded out to CF

Chambers- double to deep LF. The ball looked like it was going to leave the park but barely missed clearing the fence

Meeting on the mound

Baker-grounded out to second base as his bat shattered into two pieces and flew all the way back to the back stop

Pitching change: left hander Nick Kirk enters for the Scrappers

As Kirk warms up I'm looking at Copain and it looks like he is not swelling, or at least not yet. Looks like the fans are finally filling up the seats as the people in the bleachers are now in double digits.

Irvine-BB

Byler-flied out to CF

Tied at 3

Top 6th

Toole-grounded out to shortstop Holt

Henry-grounded out to second baseman Summerlin

Smit-flied out to RF

Tied at 3

Bottom 6th

Parry-BB

Vasquez-sacrifice bunt to the pitcher, Parry advances to second

Saukko-grounded out to third baseman

Holt-grounded out to third baseman

Tied at 3 heading into the final inning

Top 7th

Pitching change: right hander Brandon Holden enters for the Spikes

Smit-flied out to CF

Chen-BB

Bellows-reached on fielder's choice, Chen out at second

Carlson- batting when Bellows caught trying to steal second

Tied at 3

Bottom 7th

Summerlin-single to first baseman

Chambers-BB

Baker-bunt back to the pitcher for a hit, all runners are safe. Bases loaded, no outs

The infield moves in playing for the play at the plate

Irvine-K

Byler- K looking

2 outs, bases loaded, tied game

Parry- Kirk launches ball well beyond the catcher on the first pitch as Summerlin scores with ease from third base.

Spikes win 4-3

Stay tuned for coverage of game two, which is coming up shortly. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. Comments

Baseball

Hello all you baseball fans.

This blog was launched in the Spring to supplement the paper's coverage of Penn State Baseball. And now with Penn State baseball season over, Inside the Dugout will shift to the other baseball team in Happy Valley.

The State College Spikes.

The Short Season-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates is about a month into the season now, and Inside the Dugout will now also be the Collegian's official Spikes blog as well.

Audrey Snyder and yours truly, Tom Copain, will be here now until the Spikes' season comes to a close in September. We will be giving you news about the team, as well as live-blogging from Medlar Field during home games. In general, we will try to give you, the reader, a little better insight into possibly the future Pittsburgh Pirates.

And with that, we introduce ourselves with a little news concerning the Pirates.

Pirates pitcher Phil Dumatrait will make a rehab start for the Spikes Sunday night against Batavia, the team announced today in a press release.

The 28-year-old left hander appeared in 21 games (11 starts) for the Buccos in 2008, going 3-4 with a 5.26 ERA. He was put on the 60-day Disabled List at the start of the season with what the release said was complications from arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder.

Sunday will be Dumatrait's second rehab start. He made his first Tuesday with the Pirates of the Gulf Coast League, allowing three hits, two walks and striking out two in four shutout innings.

Dumatrait becomes the second Pirate pitcher to make a rehab start with the Spikes. Current Pirates starter and 2009 All-Star Zach Duke made a rehab start with State College on Sept. 6, 2007, a win against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

-Copain Comments

Basketball: Men's

Penn State hoop fans will have good basketball to look forward to at the BJC before second semester this season.

The non-conference schedule was released on Monday, and although there are a handful of cupcakes, it is light-years ahead of this past season's.

Football fans will be able to take a break from camping outside Beaver Stadium the night before the Ohio State game and trek across the street for the BJC's first game, an exhibition between the Nits and Slippery Rock on Nov. 6.

The real season tips off with a home date against Penn the following Friday. PSU then hosts Robert Morris three days later on the the 16th. The Colonials made the NCAA tournament last season after winning the Northeast Conference tournament.

Another 2009 NCAA tournament school, American, visits the BJC to close out the non-conference season on Dec. 21.

Other highlights of the first semester include a trip to Virginia for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and Virginia Tech, another ACC school, visiting the BJC on Dec. 12.

The Hokies lost to PSU at the BJC in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge in 2007.

The Lions will also travel to Temple on Dec. 5. The Owls were another 2009 tourney school and their victory at the BJC last season was partly responsible for PSU not hearing its name called on Selection Sunday.

The Charleston Classic will take place Nov. 19-22, and PSU will play three teams from the pool of Miami, South Carolina, South Florida, Davidson, Tulane, LaSalle and UNC Wilmington.

The full non-conference schedule is as follows:

Nov. 6 Slippery Rock (exhibition)

Nov. 13 Penn

Nov. 16 Robert Morris

Nov. 19-22 @ Charleston Classic (Miami, South Carolina, South Florida, Davidson, Tulane, LaSalle, UNC Wilmington)

Nov. 25 Sacred Heart

Nov. 30 @ Virginia

Dec. 5 @ Temple

Dec. 8 Maryland Baltimore County

Dec. 12 Virginia Tech

Dec. 19 Gardner Webb

Dec. 21 American

-Fortuna Comments