Baseball

Good evening Spikes fans, Alex Angert here blogging here from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. We've got a perfect evening for tonight's home finale as it is both Fan Appreciation and Thon/Greek night here at the stadium. Should be an exciting game as the weekend's rain clouds seem to have passed.

Tonight's starting lineup:

Spikes-

CF Evan Chambers

2B Brock Holt

DH Justin Byler

1B Aaron Baker

RF David Rubinstein

SS Elevys Gonzalez

3B Ty Summerlin

LF Edward Garcia

C Craig Parry

LHP Tyler Cox

Crosscutters-

CF Jiwan James

LF Zach Collier

DH Leandro Castro

C Sebastian Valle

2B Adam Buschini

3B Anthony Hewitt

1B Francisco Murillo

RF Michael Dabbs

SS Jonathan Villar

LHP Nick Hernandez

Top 1st

Two quick ground outs to the right side for Cox.

Castro nearly goes deep, ends up with stand up double off the wall.

Calle hits a grounder to Summerlin, who throws an error to first. Castro scores from second on the miscue.

Spikes escape further damage, get out of the inning allowing one run on the error.

Williamsport leads 1-0

Bottom 1st

Chambers strikes out to lead off game for Spikes, followed by a single by Holt.

Byler flies out, followed by a weak groundout by Baker to end the inning.

1-0

Top 2nd

Hewitt flies out to center field.

Cox strikes out Murillo looking.

Cox gets Dabbs to strike out swinging for the third out.

Score remains the same, 1-0

Bottom 2nd

Rubinstein doubles off of the right field wall to lead of the inning.

Gonzalez hits a slow rolling single down the third base line. Play officially ruled a hit, despite Hewitt's eratic throw to first.

Summerlin strikes out with runners on the corners.

Gonzalez takes second on the Garcia strikeout, two out and both runners now in scoring position for the catcher.

Both runners stranded as Parry commits the third out.

Williamsport still ahead, 1-0

Top 3rd

Villar grounds out to short.

James grounds up the middle, Gonzalez bobbles ball and commits the error on the play.

Collier flies out to right, one on and two out.

James still second, no throw from the catcher.

Castro's fly ball to right drops in play for an RBI double.

Cox gets Valle to groundout to end the inning

Crosscutters lead, 2-0

Bottom 3rd

Chambers doubled down left field line to lead off the inning.

The home crowd erupts as Holt hits an RBI triple to bring in the team's first run.

Byler grounds out for the first out.

Baker singles in the runner to tie the game for the Spikes.

The hot hitting continues as Rubinstein singles to put two men on.

The Crosscutters show some nice defense as Buschino tags the runner and throws to first for the double play.

Spikes tie the game, 2-2

Top 4th

Hewitt hits an inside the park home run as Garcia and Chambers collide while trying to make the catch.

Cox gets out of the inning by setting down the next two batters.

Williamsport regains the lead, 3-2

Bottom 4th

Summerlin leads off the inning by striking out.

Garcia singles on a line drive

Parry grounds out to third on the called hit and run, advancing Garcia to second.

Hernandez walks Chambers to put runners on first and second.

Holt strikes out to end the threat.

Same score after four, 3-2

Top 5th

Spikes commit third error to kick off the fifth inning.

Villar steals second and advances to fourth on throwing error by the catcher.

James doubles down the third base line to bring home the runner.

James advances to third on passed ball, Collier strikes out on the next pitch.

Cox strikes out Castro for the second out and gets out of the inning with another strikeout to Valle.

Spikes now down two, 4-2

Bottom 5th

With one down, Baker singles to give the Spikes their first base runner of the inning.

Rubinstein strikes out swinging for the second out.

First baseman Murillo showcases some fine defense with a diving grab to end the inning.

State College losing by two, 4-2

Top 6

Rubinstein makes a sliding catch for the first out.

Pinch-hitter Schoenberger grounds out up the middle for the second out.

Cox notches another strikeout for the final out of the inning.

Williamsport on top, 4-2

Bottom 6th

Summerlin strikes out to lead off the inning followed by another strikeout with Garcia at the plate.

Parry walks to put a runner on with one out.

Any chance of a two-out rally was squashed when Williamsport struck out their third batter of the inning, getting Chambers to strike out swinging.

Spikes down after six, 4-2

Top 7th

Cox is replaced after throwing six innings and striking out six. Unfortunately for Cox, errors erased a solid effort as he allowed four runs, despite only one being earned.

Victor Black replaces Cox and gets his first batter to ground out for an out, followed by a strike out for the second.

Black completes the three up, three down inning to keep the Spikes within reach.

Score doesn't change, 4-2

Bottom 7th

Holt singles past the shortstop in hopes of starting a late rally.

Team's bats awaken as Byler singles to put runners on first and second with no outs.

Spike's revert to small ball and bunt the runners into scoring position with one out.

Rubinstein smacks the ball to the warning track to pick up the RBI sac fly to cut the lead in half.

Williamsport ends the rally to stay on top by one as the Spikes strand a runner on third.

Spikes inch closer, 4-3

Top 8th

Collier doubles in the gap between the left and center fielders and advances to third on the Castro bunt.

Summerlin throws out Castro who tried to score on a grounder to third for the second out.

The Spikes get out of the inning unscathed as they head to the bottom of the eighth.

Crosscutters clinging to lead, 4-3

Bottom 8th

Summerlin strikes out to lead off the bottom half of the innning

Garcia flies out to right for the second out

Parry fouls out to the catcher to end the eighth.

Spikes down heading into final inning, 4-3

Top 9th

Spikes get the first batter to ground out to the third baseman.

Murillo flied out for the second out of the inning.

Dabbs walks with two outs and advances to second on a stolen base.

With two outs, the Crosscutters add to their lead with an RBI single.

The Spikes got out of the inning with a line drive snagged just past the pitchers head for the final out.

Spikes down to their last chance, 5-3

Bottom 9th

Chambers starts off the inning with a walk to give the Spikes an early baserunner.

Holt is unable to come up with anything as he flies out to the left fielder for one down.

Byler flied out to the right fielder for the second out, bringing the Spikes to their last out.

Baker commits the final out flying out to center to end the game.

Fireworks explode in the sky as the Spikes cap off their 2009 home season with a loss to the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Final Score- Crosscutters 5, Spikes 3 Comments

Baseball

Hey baseball fans, Allison Rainsford reporting from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on the second game of the Spikes crucial series with the Crosscutters. Hoping the rain holds. Fans were treated to a hula hoop contest between Zach Foster of the State College Spikes and Sebastian Valle of the Williamsport Crosscutters before the start of the game. Neither were too talented....they can stick to baseball.

Starting Lineups

Spikes:

SS Brock Holt

CF Evan Chambers

DH Aaron Baker

1B Justin Byler

3B Pat Irvine

RF David Rubinstein

2B Elevys Gonzalez

C Miguel Mendez

LF Butch Beila

LHP Michael Felix

Crosscutters:

CF Jiwan James

LF Zach Collier

RF Leandro Castro

1B Darin Ruf

2B Adam Buschini

3B Anthony Hewitt

C David Doss

SS Jonathan Villar

DH Carl Uhl

LHP Korey Noles

Top 1st

2 walks to leadoff the ining

Castro basehit scores James

Failed double play attempt on Ruf's groundball. Out at 2nd, runners on the corners.

Buschini sac fly to right scores runner tagging from 3rd.

Hewitt RBI line drive to left, score 3-0

Wild pitch moves Hewitt to 2nd

Doss grounds out to 3rd to end the inning

Bottom 1st

Holt lined out to pitcher

Chambers strikes out swinging

Baker singled to left

Byler ground out to 2nd to end the inning.

3-0 Crosscutters

Top 2nd

Villar single to left, stole 2nd on pickoff attempt

Uhl grounded out to shortstop

James grounded out to 2nd, Villar to 3rd

Collier ground out to shortstop, ends inning

3-0 Crosscutters

Bottom 2nd

Irvine walks

Rubinstein strikes out swinging

Irvine steals 2nd

Gonzalez grounds out to shortstop, Irvine to 3rd

Mendez lines out to pitcher, ends inning.

3-0 Crosscutters

Top 3

Castro flies out to center

Ruf grounds out to short

Buschini grounds out to 2nd to end the inning

3-0 Crosscutters

Bottom 3

A few dark clouds still looming, but the sun still shining. Mascot Ike the Spike picked a "sweetheart" in the crowd while dancing to "Hey Baby." The sweetheart's prize...a box of candy.

Biela - lines out to pitcher. That's 3 impressive catches for LHP Noles today.

Holt - beats throw to first on grounder to short. Infield single

Chambers - grounded to 3rd, Holt out at 2nd. No double play

Chambers steals 2nd

Baker - grounds out to pitcher, ends inning

3-0 Crosscutters

Top 4

Hewitt - reaches on error by catcher Mendez. High fly ball in front of the plate he wasn't in the right position for.

Hewitt steals 2nd on pickoff attempt

Doss - blooper to right, Hewitt beats the throw to the plate, 4-0

Villar - sac bunt, Doss to 2nd

Uhl - grounder up the middle, Gonzalez throws him out at 1st, Doss to 3rd

James - strikes out swinging

4-0 Crosscutters

Bottom 4

Ike the Spike wiped off home plate, and decided to clean up Crosscutter's catcher David Doss while he was at it.

Byler - flies out to 1st

Irvine - strikes out looking

Rubinstein - walks

Group of fans out in left field break out in song. A short-lived "Sweet Caroline" number

Gonzalez - singles on a blooper to center. Runners on the corners

Mendez - grounds to 3rd, thrown out to end the inning.

4-0 Crosscutters

Top 5

New pitcher for the Spikes, right-hander Ricardo Paulino. Playing 1st base, Deybis Benitez. The Crosscutter's Zach Collier has a fan club in left field chanting "Zach Attack"

Collier - ground out to short. Fans chant "We still love you."

Castro - flies out to right

Ruf - linedrive single to left

Buschini - flies out to center

4-0 Crosscutters

Bottom 5

Biela - strikes out swinging

Holt - flies out to Collier in left. Once again, his fan club goes nuts. Standing ovation followed by a "Zach #1" chant.

Chambers - reaches first on a blooper to center.

Chambers advances to 2nd on a wild pitch

Baker RBI double to center, scores Chambers

First Nookie Monster sighting,the furry blue Cookie Monster look-a-like who emerges from his nook in left center every time the Spikes score.

Here he is again....Benitez RBI single, Baker scores. Benitez to 2nd on throw to the plate

And the hits just keep on coming....RBI single by Irvine, Benitez scores

Rubinstein - strikes out swinging

4-3 Crosscutters

Top 6

Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" beats out "Barbie Girl" and "Love Story" in the Jukebox Challenge.

Skies are getting darker - rain is on it's way.

Hewitt - beats the throw from short. Base hit

Hewitt goes to 2nd on wild pitch

Doss - sac bunt. Hewitt to 3rd

Villar - infield single, run scores. Looks like Benitez thought he caught a line drive and didn't tag the bag.

Some confusion over a stolen base by Villar. He's sent back to first after pitch was ruled a foul ball. His 2nd attempt is successful.

Uhl struck out swinging.

James grounds out to 1st.

5-3 Crosscutters

Bottom 6

The brown eye wins the "Eye Race." I had my money on the blue eye....it came in dead last.

Gonzalez - singles on a line drive to right

Mendez - singles to right, Gonzalez to 3rd

Biela - grounds into a double play, but a run scores. 5-4

Holt - walks

Chambers - grounds out to short.....and Ike the Spike is hanging over my shoulder....

5-4 Crosscutters

Top 7

The luck continues, still no rain.

Collier - flies out to left

Castro - grounds to 3rd and reaches on a throwing error by Irvine. Castro advances to second.

Ruf - strikes out swinging.

Buschini - triples on a long ball off the left field wall. Castro scores.

Hewitt - strikes out swinging.

6-4 Crosscutters

Bottom 7

New pitcher for the Crosscutters, right-hander Ebelin Lugo.

The group in left field gets another go around as "Sweet Caroline" plays over the loud speakers.

Baker - strikes out swinging.

The Zach Collier mania continues. The latest chant "Party at Zach's house."

Benitez - walks

Irvine - out on a diving catch by left fielder Castro. Benitez doubled up at 1st to end the inning.

6-4 Crosscutters

Top 8

The Zach Attack fan club has been identified. It's none other than the Penn State Blue Band, and they just performed a dancing number to "Thriller." Maybe we'll see it again at during a halftime show at Beaver Stadium this season....

Doss - flies out to left

Villar - flies out to left

Uhl - infield single to short

Uhl steals second

James - triples to right center, Uhl scores. 7-4

Collier - comes to the plate to another chant. This time the Blue Band took a familiar Penn State cheer and turned "Let's Go State" into "Let's Go Zach." Then they erupt into a frenzy when his foul ball is thrown into their section. But the kind-hearted Blue Band gave the ball to a young fan. Collier flies out to short.

7-4 Crosscutters

Bottom 8

Rubinstein - walks on 4 pitches

Gonzalez - flies out to right

Mendez - strikes out swinging

Biela - grounds out to 2nd

7-4 Crosscutters

Top 9

Guess today's attendance??

Answer: 3623

New Spikes pitcher, right-hander Teddy Fallon

Castro - strikes out swinging

Ruf - flies out to center

Buschini - flies out to left field

Quick 1-2-3 inning for Fallon

7-4 Crosscutters

Bottom 9

We've made it to the last inning without any rain, and now it's rally time.

New right-handed pitcher, Justin Long, for Crosscutters.

Holt - grounds out to pitcher

Chambers - strikes out swinging.

Baker represents the last hope for the Spikes...

The Blue Band is trying to get Collier to moonwalk, do a somersault, or even just wave to them....they are not successful.

Baker triples to left center, keeping the Spikes alive.

Ty Summerlin pinch hits for Benitez, and steps up to the plate to the sounds of "Thank God I'm a Country Boy."

Summerlin strikes out swinging to end the game.

Final: 7-4 Crosscutters Comments

Wrestling

Just when Penn State wrestling fans thought this year's team would feature many talented grapplers, Jake Kemerer makes the roster more talented.

The athletic department announced the addition of Kemerer, a Greensburg, Pa. native, to the Nittany Lion roster for this season. Kemerer, ranked the No. 7-best recruit by InterMat, had originally committed to Oklahoma but backed out and will join Penn State.

Penn State now possesses three of the top seven recruits in the 2009-10 recruiting class; Kemerer, No. 1 overall recruit David Taylor, from Ohio, and No. 5 Ed Ruth, from Harrisburg.

Kemerer, a two-time PIAA champion, projects to wrestle at the 157 and 165-pound weight class this season, according to a press release by the athletic department. Taylor will likely wrestle at a lightweight this season and Ruth wrestled at the 174-pound weight class last year.

Projecting where these recruits will fit into the lineup is difficult with the returning talent on the team. Taylor would likely fit best at the 125-pound weight class, but junior Brad Pataky returns and he has the talent and work ethic to push for a national title. My guess is to try and get Taylor at 133 with the graduation of Jake Strayer and Tim Haas. Unless coach Cael Sanderson decides a redshirt would be best for Taylor. I can't see Pataky moving up a weight class.

I can see Kemerer competing for the 157-pound weight class spot this season. Senior Cyler Sanderson is the likely starter if senior Dan Vallimont stays at 165, but Kemerer and sophomore Nick Fischer will be good practice partners.

I'm not sure if Ruth can fit into the lineup. Depends what the staff's plan is with him. Quentin Wright cemented himself as one of the nation's elite 174-pounders, so unless Wright redshirts this season, the spot is his. Can Ruth bump up to 184? One of my buddies knows Ruth personally and said he's so talented, he can do anything he puts his mind to. Well, that's the key to a successful wrestler.

Check back to Back Points in the next couple days for some interesting wrestling articles. Great reads for any wrestling fan.

--Hen Comments

Baseball

Final Score Update

Spikes 8, Jamestown 1

Staten Island 4, Oneonta 1

Batavia 7, Mahoning Valley 3

Williamsport 6, Auburn 2

The wildcard standings remain for the most part unchanged as Staten Island remains in front and the Spikes remain 3.5 games back and tied with Batavia. The only change is Oneonta's loss and Williamsport's win puts the Crosscutters into second, 1.5 games back of the Yankees. The Tigers now sit in third, 2.5 games back.

Score Update - 9:28

Spikes 6, Jamestown 1 - Top 9

Staten Island 3, Oneonta 1 - Top 8

Batavia 6, Mahoning Valley 2 - Bot 7

Williamsport 6, Auburn 1 - Bot 7

Score Update - 8:52

Spikes 5, Jamestown 1 - Top 7

Staten Island 3, Oneonta 1 - Top 6

Batavia 6, Mahoning Valley 2 - Bot 6

Williamsport 4, Auburn 1 - Top 6

Score Update - 8:24

Spikes 5, Jamestown 1 - Bot 4

Oneonta 0, Staten Island 0 - Top 5

Batavia 2, Mahoning Valley 0 - Bot 4

Williamsport 4, Auburn 1 - Bot 4

Score Update - 8:02

Spikes 3, Jamestown 0 - Bot 3

Oneonta 0. Staten Island 0 - Top 4

Batavia 2, Mahoning Valley 0 - Bot 4

Williamsport 2, Auburn 1 - Top 3

Update - 7:39: Scores so far:

Spikes 3, Jamestown 0 - Top 2

Oneonta 0, Staten Island 0 - Top 3

Batavia 1, Mahoning Valley 0 - Top 2

Williamsport 2, Auburn 0 - Bot 1

Update - 7:09: Gonzalez is in the starting lineup tonight, batting seventh and playing second base. Ty Summerlin is playing short as Brock Holt is out of the lineup for the fourth straight game.

The Spikes lost another player to injury, putting infielder Andy Vasquez on the 7-day Disabled List before the Spikes start their series in Jamestown. Vasquez, who was hitting .190 with five RBIs, left the first game of the doubleheader yesterday after he was hit in the wrist by a pitch. Vasquez becomes the third Spike on the DL, joining infielder Carlos Silva and outfielder Jose Hernandez.

To fill his roster spot, infielder Elevys Gonzalez was assigned to State College from the Gulf Coast League Pirates. Gonzalez, 19, hit .271 with one home run and nine RBIs in 35 games with the GCL Pirates.

Meanwhile, the Spikes enter tonight's contest in Jamestown in the same position they were in yesterday: 3.5 games back of wildcard leader State College after both the Yankees and Spikes split their respective twin bills yesterday. The Spikes will send Philip Irwin to the mound for his fifth start tonight as the Spikes start a three-game set against the Jammers.

But all eyes in the New York-Penn League will be on Staten Island, where the Yankees host the Oneonta Tigers in an enormous series between the top two teams in the wildcard race. Entering play tonight, Staten Island leads by 1.5 games over the second-place Tigers. Meanwhile Williamsport, fresh off breaking its six-game losing streak and tied with Oneonta at 1.5 games back, is in Auburn tonight. Finally Batavia, tied with the Spikes at 3.5 games back, starts a series at Pickney Division-leading Mahoning Valley tonight.

We'll give updates on the other games in the wildcard race as the Spikes game progresses in Jamestown.

-Copain Comments

Baseball

UPDATE: Tyler Cox will start Game 1 for the Spikes. He was supposed to be the starting pitcher Sunday before the game was rained out. Victor Black will start Game 2 for State College.

Tonight is a big night for the Spikes in terms of their New York-Penn League wildcard aspirations.

Entering their doubleheader at Batavia tonight, the Spikes sit tied for fourth in the wildcard standings. The team State College is tied with: Batavia. Here are the wildcard standings entering play today

W-L GB

Staten Island 34-26 ---

Oneonta 32-27 1.5

Williamsport 33-29 2.0

Batavia 31-30 3.5

State College 31-30 3.5

A sweep tonight would put the Spikes two games ahead of the Muckdogs and possibly inch closer to the wild-card leading Staten Island Yankees, who split a doubleheader at Hudson Valley yesterday.

Of the Spikes' 15 remaining games, six are against Williamsport. The Crosscutters have been struggling of late, however, losing six straight, while the Yankees ended a four game losing streak by splitting with the Renegades yesterday.

Tonight is also a big night for the wildcard race, with the Spikes and Muckdogs playing two and Oneonta and Staten Island kicking off a big series with two as the Tigers and Yankees will finish a suspended game before playing the scheduled game. Meanwhile the Crosscutters will try to end their losing streak at home against Jamestown.

-Copain Comments

Baseball

The State College Spikes had their game at Batavia rained out Sunday, so the Spikes will play another doubleheader Monday night, with the first game scheduled for a 6:05 p.m. first pitch. Same as with the previous Spikes doubleheaders this season, both games will be seven innings.

No word yet on who will be the Spikes' starting pitchers for Game 1 and 2. Tyler Cox was supposed to start Sunday for State College.

-Copain Comments

Basketball: Men's

Penn State junior point guard Talor Battle has been named to the preseason Wooden Award candidate list.

The Wooden Award is given out annually to the nation's college basketball player of the year, and Battle is one of 50 players who made the cut.

Other Big Ten players named:

Kalin Lucas, Michigan State

Raymar Morgan, Michigan State

Robbie Hummel, Purdue

E'Twaun Moore, Purdue

Manny Haris, Michigan

DeShawn Sims, Michigan

Evan Turner, Ohio State

Battle led the Big Ten in scoring in 2009, averaging 17.3 points per game, and was named first All-Big Ten.

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin won the award last season, and no Big Ten player has taken it home since Purdue's Glenn Robinson in 1994.

-Brown Comments

Basketball: Women's

Tyra Grant was listed as one of 31 preseason candidates for the 2009-10 Women's John R. Wooden Award.

The award goes to college basketball's best player, and the national candidates were selected based on last season's individual statistics and team records.

Grant, the Big Ten's second-leading scorer with 19.6 points per game, was named to the All-Big Ten first team last season and was a semifinalist for the 2008-09 Naismith Award. She also received an invitation to the USA Basketball Trials for the World University Games.

The Big Ten led all conferences with five players named to the preseason watch list. Michigan State's Allyssa DeHaan, Illinois' Jenna Smith and Ohio State's Jantel Lavender and Samantha Prahalis rounded out the conference's candidates.

-Dan Comments

Baseball

The Spikes made two roster moves today before their series starts this evening against the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Pitcher Owen Brolsma was released by the organization today. the 24-year-old righthander made five appearances with State College, with no record and one save. Brolsma had a 5.68 ERA with the Spikes, allowing four earned runs in 6.1 innings. Between State College and Class-A West Virginia, Brolsma was 0-2 with a 3.32 ERA and three saves in 32 games this season.

The team also put outfielder Jose Hernandez on the seven-day Disabled List, joining infielder Carlos Silva. Hernandez is hitting .263 this season with no home runs and one RBI, but hasn't played since injuring his foot July 2.

-Copain Comments

Baseball

Approximately 45 minutes after being routed by the visiting Oneonta Tigers 10-1, the State College Spikes managed to unleash a furious offensive effort.

The Spikes (28-26) posted six runs in the first inning on their way to a 10-2 victory over the Tigers (28-23). The offense batted around in the opening frame and took advantage of starter Cory Hamilton who surrendered three earned runs on four hits during his one third of an inning.

Eight Spikes contributed to the team's offensive production as the team posted 10 hits.The Spikes were lead by third baseman Pat Irvine who went 2-for-3 with four RBI's and scored one run.

After the Spikes used four pitchers in the loss during the first game of the doubleheader, Jason Erickson and Ricardo Paulino (1-3) teamed up to hold the Tigers to six hits through the seven inning game. The two combined to record six strikeouts and only issued one walk.

The victory was enough for the Spikes to take the three-game series win and gives them momentum heading into their final road trip before the All-Star break.

The Spikes hit the road to begin a three-game series with the Vermont Lake Monsters at 7:05 p.m. Friday.

--Audrey Comments

Baseball

Two quick notes on this Wednesday night:

The Spikes' game with Oneonta was postponed tonight, with the official reason being sustained thundershowers in the area according to the press release. The Spikes and Tigers will play a doubleheader Thursday, with each game being seven innings long. It is the third time the Spikes will play a doubleheader this season.

With no game tonight, we'll then move on to the other note. Audrey posted the Spikes that made the National League roster for the All-Star Game Tuesday at Medlar Field. With that, here are the full rosters for the National and American Leagues by position (Spikes players are in bold)

National League

C Sebastian Valle - Williamsport

C Dock Doyle - Brooklyn

C Luis De La Cruz - Batavia

1B Sam Honeck - Brooklyn

1B Francisco Murillo - Williamsport

1B Francisco Soriano - Vermont

2B Brock Holt - State College

2B Alan Ahmady - Batavia

3B Chase Austin - Jamestown

3B Jeremy Barnes - Williamsport

SS Sean Nicol - Vermont

LF J.D. Martinez - Tri-City

LF Kyle Jensen - Jamestown

CF Leandro Castro - Williamsport

CF Rand Smith - Jamestown

RF Luis Rivera - Brooklyn

RF Russell Dixon - Tri-City

DH Brian Kemp - Tri-City

DH Mitchell Clegg - Vermont

P Evan Bronson - Vermont

P Michael Powers - Brooklyn

P Philip Irwin - State College

P James Fuller - Brooklyn

P Austin Hyatt - Williamsport

P Santo Maertz - Batavia

P Mark Cohoon - Brooklyn

P James McDonald - Tri-City

P Zach Foster - State College

American League

C John Murrian - Oneonta

C Sean Ochinko - Auburn

C Mark Thomas - Hudson Valley

1B Rawley Bishop - Oneonta

1B Chris McGuiness - Lowell

2B Derrik Gibson - Lowell

2B Jimmy Paredes - Staten Island

3B Levi Carolus - Aberdeen

3B Ty Kelly - Aberdeen

SS Tyler Bortnick - Hudson Valley

SS Kyle Smith - Mahoning Valley

LF Neil Medchill - Staten Island

LF Michael Rockett - Oneonta

CF Zolio Almonte - Staten Island

CF Jordan Henry - Mahoning Valley

RF DeAngelo Mack - Staten Island

RF Welinton Ramirez - Auburn

DH Ryan Westmoreland - Lowell

P Jake Smith - Aberdeen

P Adam Warren - Staten Island

P Alexander Colome - Hudson Valley

P Jose Alvarez - Lowell

P Francisco Rondon - Staten Island

P Kenny Faulk - Oneonta

P Corey Burns - Mahoning Valley

P Egan Smith - Auburn

P Marty Popham - Mahoning Valley

P Clayton Cook - Mahoning Valley

-Copain Comments

Baseball

Rain, rain, go away! The State College Spikes' second game of the three-game series against the visiting Oneonta Tigers has been canceled due to thundershowers. The teams will play a doubleheader on Thursday with the first game beginning at 5:05 p.m. As per Short-Season Single-A rules both games will be seven innings with the second game beginning after the field is prepared and the pitchers have warmed up. The starting pitchers have yet to be determined.

--Audrey Comments

Baseball

Hello Spikes fans, the moment many of you have been waiting for has finally arrived! The All-Star selections have been made and the Spikes will be represented by three players. Infielder Brock Holt, pitcher Zach Foster and pitcher Phillip Irwin will join the National League roster. Holt, the Pirates' ninth round selection, leads the Spikes with six home runs and is batting .256. Foster made 13 appearances for the Spikes and is 2-0 with a 1.10 ERA, while Irwin has an ERA of 0.41 throughout 22 innings. The Brooklyn Cyclones collected the most roster spots as they will send six players to the game.

The game will be played Tuesday Aug.18 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Check back later for the complete rosters.

--Audrey Comments

Wrestling

Penn State announced its schedule today for the 2009-10 wrestling season

The Nittany Lions kick off the season with an intrasquad scrimmage, aka Wrestle-offs, at 7 p.m., Nov. 5 at Rec Hall.

Rec Hall will play host to only one non-conference dual meet and four conference duals. Coach Cael Sanderson's dual meet debut Rec Hall will come against Bloomsburg on Nov. 15.

Conference meets at Rec Hall: Illinois on Jan. 22, Northwestern on Feb. 5, Michigan on Feb. 7 and Michigan State on Feb. 12.

That means the Lions will travel to Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota for dual meets. Each of those matchups will be difficult road tests.

The Lions also have the Nittany Lion Open on Dec. 6 and will travel to the Sprawl and Brawl Duals, the Reno Tournament of Champions and the Virginia Duals.

The Sprawl and Brawl Duals, in Binghamton, N.Y., will be dual meets versus Edinboro, Harvard and Rutgers.

For a complete story, check back to the Collegian within the next couple hours.

--Hen Comments

Baseball

Good Evening Spikes fans.

Copain here again with you back in the friendly confines of the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park press box as the Spikes kick off this brief three-game homestand against the Stedler Division-leading Oneonta Tigers. The Spikes will host the Tigers here and then head out to Vermont for three before the All-Star Game next week.

There are isolated thunderstorms expected for tonight, but right now the tarp is not on the field so it looks like we'll start this one at the scheduled 7:05 start time tonight. Of course, if anything changes, we'll let you know.

Until then, here are tonight's lineups.

Oneonta

Jamie Johnson - CF

Michael Rockett - RF

Rawley Bishop - 1B

John Murrian - C

Alexis Espinoza - DH

Wade Gaynor - 3B

Matt Mansilla - LF

Carmelo Jaime - SS

Christopher Sedon - 2B

Jose Diaz - SP

State College

Brock Holt - SS

Ty Summerlin - 2B

Evan Chambers - CF

Aaron Baker - DH

David Rubinstein - RF

Justin Byler - 1B

Andy Vasquez - 3B

Butch Biela - LF

Craig Parry - C

Tyler Cox - SP

Top 1

Johnson - grounds out to second

Rockett - strikes out looking on a nasty 90 mph fastball from Cox

Bishop - strikes out swinging. Cox has a solid 1-2-3 inning

No score

Bot 1

Holt - flies out to right

Summerlin - goes after the first pitch and lines a base hit to center field, shows great hustle in trying for two and gets lucky when the covering fielder drops the relay throw

Chambers - flies out to center

Baker - pops out to third

No score

Top 2

Cox is showing some good velocity on his pitches so far. He hit 91 on the gun on his last pitch.

Murrian - pops out to second

Espinoza - strikes out swinging as Cox hits 91 again on the right field gun

Gaynor - lines a single to center field; steals second base

Mansilla - strikes out swinging

No score

Bot 2

Interesting note tonight as injured outfielder Jose Hernandez is coaching first base

Rubinstein - lines out to short

Byler - lines a single to right field

Vasquez - earns a walk

Biela - swings at the first pitch and grounds into the double play

No score

Top 3

Audrey's favorite promotion of the night. The third pitch of the third contest. Didn't catch the guess, nor have they announced a winner yet

Jaime - pops out to first

Sedon - grounds out to second

Update - third pitch was 89; the little girl won. Also had the first smashing glass commercial of the night

Johnson - strikes out looking on a 91 mph pitch on the outside corner.

No score

Bot 3

Parry - grounds out to second

Holt - grounds out to short

Summerlin - has a strong at bat but lines out to second

No score

Top 4

Rockett - leads off the inning and hits a rocket to right field that hits the wall. Rubinstein fields it well but Rockett ends up at second with a double

Cox goes 3-0 on Bishop before he scorches one down the left field line. Rockett scores and Bishop ends up on second wit a double. 1-0 Tigers

Murrian - hit by a 91 mph pitch from Cox, who's really struggling with his control this inning after being very strong the first three

Espinoza - pops out to short. Big out for Cox, who now has a chance to get out of this inning only allowing one run

Gaynor - hits a grounder to short that Bishop has to do a limbo move to get out of the way of. Summerlin gets the out at second, but Gaynor is safe at first and Bishop goes to third

Mansilla - lines a double down the right field line that scores both runs. 3-0 Tigers

Oneonta must have seen something in Cox the first three innings, because now they're swinging away and really getting to him this inning

Jaime - singles to center field; Mansilla scores. 4-0 Tigers

Sedon - strikes out swinging

4-0 Tigers

Bot 4

Keith Hernandez is the new catcher for Oneonta. The catcher Murrian was hit by a pitch in the top of the inning.

Chambers - lines out to left field

Baker - hits a slow grounder to short that Jaime barehands and fires to first to just barely get Baker

Rubinstein - another batter, another ground out to short

4-0 Tigers

Top 5

Two really strong options for tonight's jukebox. Journey and Queen. Can't go wrong with either.

Injury note on Murrian: Apparently he was hit in the elbow, and that might be why he left the game

Johnson - flies out to right

Rockett - grounds out to short

Bishop - flies out to second

4-0 Tigers

Bot 5

"Don't Stop Believin'" wins in a close race for the jukebox. Must be starting to get ready for the football season opener Sept. 5

Byler - lines a double down the left field line to start the inning

Vasquez - swings at the first pitch and pops out to short

Biela - hits a ball that ricochets off the glove of Bishop and into right field, Biela's given a hit but Byler is held at third

Parry - lines a double to the gap in left center; Byler and Biela score and the Nookie Monster makes his first appearance of the night. 4-2 Tigers

Holt - maybe Journey and their classic rock ballad motivated the Spikes, because the bats have awoken this inning. Holt crushes one to center that's over the head of Johnson and bounces at the warning track. Oneonta gets a break when the ball lies flat at the track and Holt has to stay at second but Parry scores. 4-3 Tigers

Summerlin - walks and another Spikes tradition, the Proclaimers after every walk, makes its first appearance tonight

Chambers - lines a base hit to second base; Holt scores to tie the game as the Nookie Monster might be starting to get tired this inning. 4-4

Oneonta manager Howard Bushong comes out of the dugout and this will be it for Diaz as righthander Jose Ortega is the new pitcher

Baker - walks on four pitches to load the bases

Rubinstein - strikes out swinging on a full count. He's frustrated with himself too as he walked back to the dugout

Byler - crushes one to right field, but Rockett somehow tracks it down and makes a running catch to save three runs and end the inning

4-4

Top 6

It's the sixth, so that means running eyeballs. Or in tonight's case, jogging eyeballs

Iris runs away with tonight's eye race the same way he has run away with the season series, so it was somewhat anticlimactic tonight

Hernandez - grounds out to short

Espinoza - strikes out swinging

Gaynor - lines a double that one hops the wall in left field

Pitching coach Mike Steele, it looks like, comes out to talk to Cox but they'll keep him in the game with two righties warming up in the Spikes' bullpen

Mansilla - strikes out swinging

4-4

Bot 6

Update on the teams ahead of the Spikes in the wildcard race: Staten Island has already won, while Lowell's game has been postponed and Williamsport's game is delayed right now. So State College could have a chance to gain a half game on at least Lowell and possibly the Crosscutters

Vasquez - walks, then steals second during Biela's at bat

Biela - one would think he would bunt here, but right now he's swinging away. He works the count full before he strikes out swinging

Parry - strikes out looking

Holt - went to center his last at-bat, goes to dead center again. Only this one keeps carrying and ends up over the batting eye for a home run. 6-4 Spikes

Summerlin - flies out to center

6-4 Spikes

Top 7

Victor Black is the new Spikes pitcher. Cox battled his way through six innings and now has a chance to be the winner

Jaime - grounds out to second

Sedon - strikes out swinging

Johnson - grounds out to second as Black gets a 1-2-3 inning

6-4 Spikes

Bot 7

Wade Kapteyn is the new Oneonta pitcher. No one warming up in the Spikes bullpen so at least the eighth inning will be Black's inning.

Chambers - strikes out swinging

Baker - lines a single to left field

Rubinstein - bloops a single to right field

Byler - then has one of the stranger at-bats I've ever seen. Kapteyn walks Byler on four straight pitches that went to the backstop. The first advanced Baker and Rubinstein to second and third, the third pitch of the at-bat scored Baker from third. 7-4 Spikes

Kapteyn is taken out of the game as Mike LaLuna is the new Oneonta pitcher

Vasquez - strikes out swinging

Biela - popped out to short

7-4 Spikes

Top 8

Rockett - flies out to right

Bishop - singles to center field

Hernandez - grounds into the double play to end the inning

7-4 Spikes

Bot 8

Parry - hits a double off the wall in right field just out of the outstretched reach of Rockett

Another wild pitch for the Tigers, as this one allows Parry to go to third

Holt - hits another one hard, this one to right. It doesn't leave the park and is caught by Rockett, but it's deep enough to score Parry from third on the sacrifice fly. 8-4 Spikes

Summerlin - bloops a single to left field

Chambers - pops out to first

This game is getting stranger and stranger. LaLuna just issued two consecutive balks during Baker's at bat to move Summerlin from first to third.

Baker then walks as LaLuna throws another wild pitch on ball four and Summerlin scores from third. Summerlin was on first with two outs and scored without a hit on two balks and a wild pitch. 9-4 Spikes

Rubinstein - grounds into a fielder's choice

9-4 Spikes

Top 9

No one in the bullpen, so Black will have a chance for the rare three inning save

Espinoza - strikes out swinging

Gaynor - pops out to first

Mansilla - strikes out on a wild pitch, Mansilla reaches first base safely and takes second on a stolen base

Jaime - grounds out to second to end the game.

9-4 Spikes win

Going down to the clubhouse soon, will be back later with a recap Comments

Baseball

A few bits of news today before the Spikes start their three-game series at Hudson Valley.

The Pirates traded pitcher Mike Koplove to Seattle for infielder Deybis Benitez, who was assigned to the Spikes today. The 22-year-old infielder was hitting .304 this season in the Mariners system in 12 games between Short-Season A Everett and High-A High Desert. He was signed as a free agent by Seattle and has bounced around the Mariners farm system, playing mostly Rookie and low-A ball. He had a very strong year last year with Pulaski of the Appalachian League, hitting .281 in 36 games. He also has experience at third base, shortstop and second base, so he gives the Spikes some defensive versatility in the infield.

The move corresponds with Carlos Silva officially being placed on the 7-day disabled list effective today.

Finally, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo is reporting on his Twitter page that the Pirates are set to sign eighth-round pick Colton Cain to a contract. No word yet on where the Pirates will assign Cain should the deal become official.

-Copain Comments

Baseball

Good evening Spikes fans.

Sorry, no Audrey tonight (I know, I know, hold your applause). Copain here tonight to take you the last game of this seven-game homestand as the Spikes host the Aberdeen Doubledays.

It's the Spikes' breast cancer awareness night, so Gary Robinson and the rest of the Spikes are wearing the pink and white unis. I'm just gonna leave it at that and give the starters for tonight.

Aberdeen

T.J. Baxter - 1B

Buck Britton - 2B

Ty Kelly - 3B

Brian Conley - RF

Justin Dalles - C

Tom Edwards - DH

Mike Mooney - SS

Arthur Bonevacia - LF

Steve Bumbry - CF

Colin Allen - SP

State College

Brock Holt - 2B

Evan Chambers - CF

Justin Byler - DH

Aaron Baker - 1B

David Rubinstein - RF

Pat Irvine - 3B

Butch Biela - LF

Craig Parry - C

Andy Vasquez - SS

Victor Black - SP

Top 1

Baxter - strikes out swinging

Britton - doubles off the wall in right center

Kelly - grounds out to second; Britton goes to third

Conley - grounds out to short

No score

Brock Holt steps up with his new entrance song and his pink bat. Evan Chambers on deck has one too so it might be the whole team using the pink bats. If it is, that's a very nice touch

Holt - lines a single to left field

Chambers - the pink bats are already working. Chambers crushes one to the nook and almost takes one over the fence. It hits off the Nookie Monster's door for a double. Holt scores from first base. 1-0 Spikes

Said Nookie Monster makes his first appearance. He is dressed in pink as well

Byler - lines out to right

Baker - lines a ball past Bonevacia that rolls to the wall. Chambers scores and Baker ends up at third with a triple. Pink bats are definitely working so far. 2-0 Spikes

Rubinstein - pops up to second

Irvine - singles to left field. Baker scores. 3-0 Spikes

The Nookie Monster's getting an early workout tonight. The Spikes have scored as many in the first tonight as they had the two previous games combined

Biela - strikes out swinging

3-0 Spikes

Top 2

Dalles - flies out to left

Edwards - grounds out to second

Mooney - walks

Bonevacia - hits a grounder to second that vasquez can't handle and bounces into center field. E6 on Vasquez, Mooney on second

Second inning and first Centre Glass commercial. Very early tonight, but the novelty of it is no longer relevant to Audrey. She says she's become numb to it.

Bumbry - grounds to short, but Vasquez can't get the force at second on a late call. Mooney scores from second. 3-1 Spikes

Baxter - grounds a single to center field past the diving Holt and then past a falling Chambers. Bonevacia scores, Bumbry to third and Baxter to second. 3-2 Spikes

Britton - flies out to right center

3-2 Spikes

Bot 2

Parry - flies out to left

Vasquez - grounds out to short

Holt - flies out to right

3-2 Spikes

Top 3

Bold move by the kid on the third pitch of the third contest. He calls 93 mph on the pitch, and he gets it. Black throws 94 mph on the third pitch of the inning

Meanwhile David Rubinstein has left the game and Kyle Saukko has replaced him in right. We'll definitely get to the bottom of this tonight

Kelly - grounds out to short

Conley - doubles down the right field line to the wall

Dalles - strikes out swinging, but Conley steals third

Edwards - lines a ball off the mound that skips into center for a base hit. Conley scores. 3-3

Mooney - walks

Gary Robinson has come out to the mound and has seen enough. Black is pulled and Zach Foster is the new Spikes pitcher. We'll have his official line next inning

Bonevacia - strikes out on a high fastball

3-3

Bot 3

Just me in the press box right now. Audrey saw some people with ice cream and went to find some

Final line on Black: 2.2 innings, 4 hits, 3 runs (1 earned), no walks, 1 strikeout

Chambers - strikes out swinging

Byler - grounds out to third

Baker - sends one to the wall in right field but Conley makes the catch at the wall

3-3

Top 4

Tyler Cox is the new Spikes pitcher. Foster only goes a third of an inning as Audrey has returned with said ice cream

Bumbry - grounds one to first off of Baker's glove and past Holt for a base hit

Baxter - grounds one to the pitcher, who retires Baxter at first. Bumbry goes to second

Britton - flies out to center

Kelly - flies out to right

3-3

Bot 4

Audrey's eating her ice cream as she shamefully defends Brett Favre. Don't know how much longer I can sit next to her

Saukko in his first at-bat - grounds out to second

Irvine - singles to center

Biela - singles to right field

wild pitch by Allen, both runners advance a base

Parry - strikes out swinging

Vasquez - walks to load the bases

Holt (will the mojo of the pink bat pay off?) - strikes out looking, which elicits a chorus of boos from the crowd

3-3

Top 5

Conley - flies out to left

Dalles - singles up the middle despite a diving attempt from Vasquez

Edwards - grounds to Baker who starts the nice 3-6-3 double play

3-3

Bot 5

Chambers - earns the leadoff walk, then gets a great jump on the first pitch and steals second

Byler - strikes out on a check swing

Baker - he must definitely be digging the pink bats. Lines a double to left center field that scores Chambers. 4-3 Spikes

Audrey is calling jersey foul because the Spikes are wearing the pink and bright white shirts, yet are wearing the off-white pants. I would call then more eggshell colored pants, but to each their own

Saukko - flies out to left

Irvine - grounds out to short

4-3 Spikes

Top 6

6th inning, that means eye race. Audrey called Iris, and she is right as Iris by an...eyeball. Iris is running away with the season title

Mooney - grounds out to third

Bonevacia - almost takes one out to left field, but it bounces off the wall and Bonevacia legs out a triple

Audrey continues the Brett Favre defense and it could be getting a little uneasy in the press box

Bumbry - strikes out

Baxter has been absolutely on fire this series, another hit tonight, five in the series. He steps up with a chance to drive in a run. But he grounds out to third

4-3 Spikes

Bottom 6th

Biela - reaches on a throwing error by Mooney

Parry - sorry Copain stepped out for a moment he said something about going to walmart to get some new flannel shirts

Copain back here. Wouldn't believe the sales on flannel shirts

Parry - having a battle with Aberdeen pitcher Kevin Landry before he finally gets a walk

Vasquez - lays down a nice sacrifice bunt to the third base side to get Biela and Parry to second and third with one out

Holt - hits a sacrifice fly to left field that scores Biela. 5-3 Spikes

Chambers - grounds out

5-3 Spikes

Top 7

Ike finally makes it to the finals of musical chairs, but can't push through in the final.

Britton - grounds to first where Baker uses some fancy footwork to tag the base and retire Britton

Kelly - doubles down the right field line

Conley - strikes out looking

Dalles - strikes out swinging

5-3 Spikes

Bot 7

Ike getting his groove on during the seventh inning stretch.

Byler - strikes out looking

full moon from behind the right field bleachers. Postcard scene from the press box

Baker - strikes out swinging

I may have to strike what I said earlier. Audrey's only heard the Centre Glass commercial once and she's looking for another one

Saukko - strikes out

5-3 Spikes

Top 8

Edwards - strikes out

Mooney - grounds out to short

Bonevacia - grounds out to third

5-3 Spikes

Bot 8

Audrey was momentarily dismayed by the deflation of the bouncing deer pen, but is then is uplifted again by the Mount Nittany scrubs race

Irvine - walks

Biela - walks

Parry - walks; Landry has walked the bases loaded with no one out

Coaching visit to the mound with Vasquez up

Vasquez - strikes out swinging

Holt - hits his second sacrifice fly of the game to score Irvine from third. 6-3 Spikes

Chambers - crushes one to left field that lands underneath the scoreboard for a three-run home run. Evan Chambers might be reaching cult status here in State College, fans are bowing down to him as he walks back to the dugout. 9-3 Spikes

Brian Sisk is the new Aberdeen pitcher as Ike the Spike gets a big hand for his Beyonce dance

Byler - hits a double over the head of Bumbry

Baker - flies out to right field

9-3 Spikes

Top 9

Bumbry - lines one to the gap in left center that rolls all the way to the nook and gets Bumbry to third with a triple

Baxter - grounds one right to Cox, who catches Bumbry in a rundown and is eventually retired; Baxter ends up at second

Britton - strikes out looking

Kelly - lines a single to center field. Baxter scores. 9-4 Spikes

Robinson coming out to the mound and he's gonna call for the righthander Teddy Fallon. Cox had two outs and two strikes in the ninth when he gave up the single to Kelly, but Gary's not leaving anything to chance.

Conley - walks

Dalles - lines a double down the left field line. Kelly scores, Conley stops at third. 9-5 Spikes

Edwards - strikes out looking

Spikes win 9-5

The fireworks are set (and they don't shoot off into the outfield this time), Chambers is named the player of the game and is subsequently hit with a double pie in the face by Byler and Irvine

Heading down to the clubhouse soon, will update with a recap in a little bit Comments

Baseball

Hey Spikes followers!! Sorry for the delay but after a special visit from former Pirates pitcher John Candelaria I am back to work. By the way in case you were wondering it is indeed Audrey here. Copain is struggling to get his computer set up so I have taken up the blog for the night (and possibly longer).

For your starting lineups...

Aberdeen

1B-T.J. Baxter

2B Mike Maloney

3B Ty Kelly

DH Levi Carolus

CF Richard D'Oleo

RF Brian Conley

SS Garabez Rosa

C Brian Ward

LF Arthur Bonevacia

LHP Nick Haughian

Spikes

SS Brock Holt

CF Edward Garcia

1B Justin Byler

DH Aaron Baker

RF David Rubinstein

3B Pat Irvine

LF Butch Biela

2B Ty Summerlin

C Miguel Mendez

RHP Philip Irwin

Top 1st

Baxter- singled up the middle

Mooney-hit

Kelly-sacrifice bunt to catcher

Carlous-K looking

D'Oleo-K looking

0-0

Bottom 1st

Holt-BB

Garcia-k swinging

Copain is still struggling to set up his computer, but I have faith he will get it up and running before the seventh inning for sure

Byler-BB

Baker-lined out to 2B, doubled up Byler at 1B

0-0

Top 2nd

Conley-singles to RF

Rosa-flied out to SS Holt, 1 out

Pitcher Philip Irwin has been getting great use of his breaking ball so far tonight. While he has surrendered three hits so far tonight he seems to be having decent command.

Ward-HBP Ward took that one on the shoulder as there are runners on first and second with one out

Bonevacia-hits the ball to SS Holt who flips it to Summerlin to 2B and air mails it over the head of first baseman Byler. The run does score as there are 2 outs

Baxter-count is full, BB

Mooney-meeting on the mound. while the meeting was brief, the addition of Purple Haze is a welcome sound in the ballpark; beautiful play from Summerlin who dove to his right to backhand the ball and make a beautiful throw from his knees to retire Mooney

1-0 IronBirds

Bottom 2nd

Rubinstein-grounds out

Irvine-grounds out

Biela-grounds out

1-0 IronBirds

Top 3rd

Pitching change: Nathan Baker replaces Irwin

Kelly-grounds out

Carlous-flies out

D'Oleo-pops out

1-0 Aberdeen

Bottom 3rd

summerlin-grounds out to first

Mendez-BB

Holt- K looking

Garcia-FC to 2b

1-0 IronBirds

Top 4th

Conley-2B to right center

Rosa-flied out to LF

Ward-grounds out to 2B

Bonevacia-flied out to LF

1-0 IronBirds

Bottom 4th

Byler-K

Baker-flew out to CF

Rubinstein-flew out to RF

1-0 IronBirds

Top 5th

Pitching change: Nelson Pereira enters for the Spikes

Baxter-singled to RF

Mooney-Baxter picked off trying to steal second. Mooney grounds out to 3B. Irvine skipped the throw across to Byler but was able to barely make it to him in time

Kelly- singles to RF

Carolus-FC 6-4, end of the inning

1-0 IronBirds

Well the Spikes are still hit less going into the bottom of the 5th. It seems a lot like the way things were going last night.

Bottom 5th

Irvine-popped up to the pitcher

Biela-4-3; 2 outs

Summerlin-fouls out to 3B

The Spikes bats are still cold for the second night in a row

1-0 IronBirds

Top 6th

D'Oleo-K

Conley-K looking, with a little argument towards the umpire Conley finally strolled back to the dug out.

Rosa-fouls one back, which cleared the net behind home plate. Have no fear it didn't hit me. Although that may not be a bad thing if it did after the way this game is going.; K

Solid inning from Pereira who was able to mow down the IronBirds

1-0 IronBirds

Bottom 6th

Mendez-grounds out to the pitcher

The question now becomes who will record the first hit of this game????? And when?

Holt-grounds out to the pitcher

Garcia-count is full, K swinging

Well the Spikes are struggling to put the ball in play and for the second night in a row it looks as if the action on the field will be non existent.

1-0 IronBirds

Top 7th

Ward-singles. Holt makes a beautiful play of stopping the ball from entering LF, but the throw is not in time

Well Ike the Spike has just found the pressbox and I almost took him out as he was creeping over my shoulder. There is nothing like a furry creature looking over your shoulder when you have no idea they are there. As Ike was up here shaking hands I asked him how he endures nights like this. His response was shown by pulling his hat over his eyes and shaking his head. And I believe Ike even booed Copain. Not sure why, but he did.That was my excitement of the night.

Sorry for the delay, but on a night like tonight you have to find excitement in the little things.

The bases are now loaded with one out in the top of the 7th

Copain just made the best play of the night. As he crushed a bug after trying to swat it for about 30 seconds. Don't worry about his depth perception folks, Copain just nailed this bug like it was his job.

Back on the field Pereira just walked in a run

2-0 IronBirds

Carolus- flies out to shallow LF, the runners hold

D'Oleo-bases loaded, two outs, K looking

Pereira is able to minimize the damage as the Spikes are down 2-0

2-0 IronBirds

Bottom 7th

Byler-singles up the middle to record the Spikes' first hit of the game

Baker-flies out to right center field

Rubinstein- Rubinstein has his 9 game hit streak on the line; Haughian tries to pick off Byler at first base but throws the ball over the first baseman's head, Byler advances to second; lines out to the third baseman

Irvine-Haughian leaves the game after holding the Spikes scoreless and surrendering one hit; Haughian received the loudest applause of the night as he ran off the field. 6 and 2/3 innings of work for Haughian

LHP Stephen Procner enters for the IronBirds

Irvine- runner on second base with 2 outs, K looking

Well the Spikes are able to get a runner on base but can't manage to score

2-0 IronBirds

Top 8th

The Nookie Monster is still behind the wall but after two nights of no action he may want to start stretching now.

Alan Knotts is now pitching for the Spikes

Conley-BB, Conley steals 2B

Rosa-singles to CF, Conley scores

3-0 IronBirds

Ward-Rosa takes second on a passed ball; Rosa takes thrid on a wild pitch; BB

Bonevacia-grounds out to 1B Byler who tags him out and holds the runners

Baxter-intentional walk

Mooney-singles over the head of Byler, two runs score 5-0 IronBirds

Kelly-runners on the corners; grounds out to summerlin who makes a beautiful dive towards the ball and retires the runner in time. but another run scores 6-0 IronBirds. Unfortuantely for Copain and his fly swat this is the play of the night...so far.

Carolus- singles to CF, run scores 7-0 IronBirds

Knotts is removed from the game after only making it 2/3 of an inning.

RHP Owen Brolsma enters with a runner on first base

Bumbry- in his first at bat of the night- K swinging

7-0 IronBirds

Bottom 8th

Biela-singles to shallow LF

Summerlin-

Mendez- singles past the first baseman, Biela to 3B

Holt-doubles to CF, Biela scores, Mendez to 3B. Mendez was getting waved around 3B but tripped rounding third.

1-0 IronBirds

Garcia- flies out to CF, Mendez scores Holt to 3B, then on the throwing error by the pitcher over the 3B head Holt scores.

7-3 IronBirds

Byler-flies out to LF

The Spikes showed some signs of life as they recorded three hits and scored three runs in the inning

7-3 IronBirds

Top 9th

Conley-flied out to RF

Rosa-flied out to LF

Ward-singled to LF

Bonevacia-grounded out

7-3 IronBirds

Bottom 9th

Baker-K

Rubinstein-grounds out--ending his 9 game hit streak

Irvine-grounds out to end the game

7-3 IronBirds

While the Spikes continued to struggle offensively this one is in the books. Have a good night! Comments

Baseball

Hello Spikes fans. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Copain back after a two-day break. Audrey almost performed a hostile takeover of Inside the Dugout, but I have returned to take you through tonight's game as the Spikes open a three-game series with the Aberdeen Ironbirds at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

This is the last series of this week-long homestand for State College, which has won three of four so far against Auburn and Jamestown before taking on the Ironbirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and named after, you guessed it, Cal Ripken Jr. and his consecutive games streak.

With that out of the way, here are your starters

Aberdeen

T.J Baxter - 1B

Buck Britton - 2B

Ty Kelly - 3B

Justin Dalles - C

Brian Conley - LF

Steve Bumbry - CF

Garabez Rosa - SS

Jason Rook - RF

Mike Gioioso - DH

Jake Cowan - SP

State College

Brock Holt - DH

Ty Summerlin - 2B

Evan Chambers - CF

Aaron Baker - 1B

David Rubinstein - RF

Pat Irvine - LF

Craig Parry - C

Carlos Silva - 3B

Andy Vasquez - SS

Maurice Bankston -SP

Top 1st

Baxter - leadoff triple to left center field

Britton - grounds out to first base; Baxter scores. 1-0 Ironbirds

Kelly - grounds out to second

Dalles - flies out to center

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 1st

That inning could've been a lot worse for Bankston, who did a fantastic job of being economical with his pitches after the triple.

Holt - flied out to center

Summerlin - strikes out swinging

Chambers (we'll see if he and Baker can carry it over after last night's strong performances) - strikes out looking

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 2nd

Gotta love the heart of the challenger in the big shoe race between innings. She fell down twice going through the hula hoops but still made it through. Great sign of determination.

Conley - strikes out looking

Bumbry - strikes out looking

Rosa - hits a grounder to third but Silva airmails the throw, thank goodness it stays in play. E5 charged to Silva

Rook - hits into a fielder's choice at second

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 2

As Aaron Baker steps to the plate, he's changed his music. He originally had "Icky Thump" by The White Stripes, but I don't know what he has now. I would've thought he would've kept his superhero music after last night.

Baker - walks

Rubinstein (who has pretty sweet at-bat music too) - flies out to center

Irvine - grounds to short. Baker's retired at second but Britton almost sends another one into the first row behind first. Irvine safe at first

Irvine advances to second on a passed ball, but Parry grounds out to first to end the inning

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 3

As we have the third pitch of the third contest, I wonder to myself if the Spikes pitchers pay attention to what the fans guess. I also wonder if the contestant should get bonus if they hit the speed on the nose.

91 mph - contestant wins

Gioioso - strikes out looking after a long at-bat that went to a full count

Baxter - tries to bunt his way on after a triple but Parry throws him out at first

Britton - lines a single to left field; thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 3

Silva - leads off and his hit by the pitch near the hand. He immediately drops down to his knees in what looks like to be an immense amount of pain. He has to leave the game and Butch Biela comes in to be the pinch runner. Don't know what Gary will do defensively, but with Irvine in the game, I would believe Irvine will move to third and Biela will play left. We'll see in the top of the fourth

Vasquez - strikes out

Holt - swings at the first pitch and flies out to center

Summerlin - grounds out to first

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 4

As expected, Biela stays in the game and is in left, and Irvine moves from left to third

Kelly - singles to right center

Dalles - grounds into a fielders choice. Irvine throws to second to retire Kelly, Dalles safe at first

Conley - single to left center

Bumbry - strikes out swinging on a 96 mph high heater from Bankston

Rosa - reaches on an error to Vasquez when a routine ground ball that could've ended the inning eats him up

Rook - grounds a ball to second that Holt takes to the bag to end the inning. Very risky play because it looked from here that Rosa might've been safe but he is called out and Bankston gets out of a jam

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 4

Chambers - grounds out to shortstop

Baker - grounds out to second

Just noticed Cowan had a no-hitter going through 3.2 innings, and right after I think that, Rubinstein hits a ground-rule double to left field

Irvine - skies one to right field and to Rook to end the inning

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 5

Tough call for Jukebox tonight. Fogerty's "Centerfield" Queen's "We Will Rock You" or the Contours' "Do You Love Me", three classics. But being a baseball purist, my vote would go to Fogerty.

Gioioso - grounds out to second

Baxter - grounds out to second

Britton - grounds out to second

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 5

Queen wins the jukebox. Tough but fair

Parry - grounds out to third

Biela - pops out to shortstop

Vasquez - flies out to right

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 6

"Eye of the Tiger" blaring on the loudspeakers during the Eye Race. Beautiful

Kelly - flies out to center

Dalles - grounds out to shortstop

Conley - flies out to center. Another quick inning for Bankston, but right now the Spikes have more errors (two) than hits (one)

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 6

When it's adult versus kid in the scrub race, it's always a disadvantage to the kid. Usually because the scrubs are about a million sizes too big.

New pitcher for Aberdeen is Jake Smith

Line on Cowan: 5.0 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts

Holt - strikes out swinging

Summerlin - a ground ball up the middle for a base hit

It was expected, and it has now officially started to rain. The radar is showing a small, strong cell moving through as CCR's "Who'll stop the Rain" accompanies the tarp. It shouldn't be too long, and we'll let you know when we start playing again

Update: 8:47: The tarp is off the field; the umpires and Aberdeen have come back on the field. No word yet on when the game will restart, but it should be very soon. Right now, it's a 2-2 count to Chambers with Summerlin on first and one out when the game starts up again

Smith is still the pitcher for Aberdeen

Chambers - steps back in at 8:59 after a 27 minute delay, takes a ball but Summerlin is caught stealing by a mile at second. Chambers then walks on the next pitch

Baker - lines out to second

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 7

Michael Felix now in the game for State College

Final line on Bankston: 6.0 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 4 strikeouts

Bumbry - pops out to the catcher

Rosa - grounds out to shortstop

Rook - strikes out swinging

1-0 Ironbirds

Bot 7

Rubinstein comes out to Red Hot Chili Peppers and one of the best music videos I've ever seen. Californication definitely underrated in their catalog

Rubinstein - flies out to right

Irvine - walks

Parry - walks

Bottom of the 7th and we finally have the Centre Glass Smashing Glass foul ball commercial

Biela - reaches on fielder's choice; Parry out at second. Biela steals second base

Vasquez - strikes out swinging

1-0 Ironbirds

Top 8

Two score updates. Ronny Cedeno has broken up the no-hitter in the eighth in Pittsburgh; the Pirates still trail Arizona 8-0. Meanwhile in New York-Penn League news, Williamsport is crushing Staten Island 20-0 in the top of the eighth.

Gioioso - reaches on an E4 when a grounder gets past Summerlin

Baxter - hit by pitch

Richard D'Oleo pinch runs for Gioioso at second

Britton up, showing bunt - bunts to the pitcher, but Feliz airmails the throw to right field. D'Oleo scores from second and Baxter scores from first. Throw was so high Baker and Britton collided at first. 3-0 Spikes on the second error of the inning

Kelly - grounds out to short

Britton goes to third on a wild pitch

Dalles - walks

Conley - hits a sacrifice fly to center; Britton scores. 4-0 Ironbirds

Bumbry - grounds out to second

4-0 Ironbirds

Bot 8

James Brandhorst the new Aberdeen pitcher

Justin Byler pinch-hitting for Holt as Gary Robinson tries to get a spark going offensively.

Byler - walks

Summerlin - softly flies out to left

Chambers - walks

Baker really working during this at-bat, fouling off and spoiling a couple of 2-2 pitches before he finally flies out to left field

Rubinstein - hits a slow roller to third base that stays fair for an infield hit. Bases loaded with two outs for Irvine as the tying run

Irvine - grounds out to second to end the inning

4-0 Ironbirds

Top 9

Mike Williams is the new pitcher for State College

Tough outing for Felix: 2.0 inning, 0 hits 3 runs, 0 earned runs, 0 walks, 1 strikeout

Rosa - strikes out swinging

Rook - grounds out to second

Gioioso - flies out to left

4-0 Ironbirds

Bot 9

Dance off before the last inning. Spikes radio announcer Joe Putnam gave a valiant effort, but Ike the Spikes takes the top prize. I think him dancing to Beyonce put him over the top

Chase Phillips now pitching for Aberdeen

Parry - walks

Biela - walks

Vasquez - grounds into the 4-6-3 double play; Parry goes to third

Byler - flies out to left

Ironbirds win 4-0 Comments

Baseball

Greetings Spikes fans! On a night of 101 promotions I must say that there really are 102 bonuses. The one hundred and second bonus is that I am live blogging tonight and not Copain:) Sorry if you were expecting Copain, but I'm sure you'll make do.

Down on the field there was just a hot dog eating contest to celebrate the final dollar dog day of the season. Both eaters had nothing on Joey Chestnut and I don't think they even cracked the double digits. But I'll be keeping you updated on all the wacky promotions throughout the night, and of course the ball game. Now for the starting lineups.........

Jammers:

CF-Erik Kanaby

3B-Chase Austin

DH-Dustin Dickerson

LF-Kyle Jansen

1B-Ricky Orton

SS-Chris Wade

2B-Nate Simon

C-Carlos Paulino

RF-Zach Moore

RHP-Skyler Crawford

Both OF Sequoyah Stonecipher and OF Rand Smith who left last night's game with injuries are not in the lineup tonight.

Spikes:

SS-Brock Holt

2B-Ty Summerlin

CF-Evan Chambers

DH-Aaron Baker

RF-David Rubinstein

3B-Pat Irvine

1B-Justin Byler

LF-Butch Biela

C-Miguel Mendez

RHP-Kyle McPherson

It's pretty quiet here at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. I'm not sure if the music is not working right now but the stadium is pretty dead right now.

Iron Man is blasting as McPherson warms up and although some fans are trickling in, it looks like a pretty small crowd.

Top 1st

Kanaby-singles to CF

Austin-grounds out to 3B Irvine who turns the double play

Dickerson-flies out to deep left field

McPherson received some help from his defense and managed to avoid the lead runner advancing past first base.

0-0

Bottom 1st

Holt-count is full, grounds out back to the pitcher

Summerlin-flies out to LF; 2 outs

All Spikes players seem to be receiving superhero music tonight and the video board looks more like a comic strip.

Chambers-singles over the head of the second baseman

Baker-belts a HR to right center field. The ball was in the mid 80's and looked like it was left up just a bit too high in the zone. 2-0 Spikes

Rubinstein-with the count 2-2, Rubinstein gets caught looking at strike three.

2-0 Spikes

Baker's home run is the first of his professional career and puts the Spikes on the board first.

Top 2nd

Jansen- takes the first pitch to deep left-center field, but Chambers is there to make the out

Orton-flies out to LF

Wade-K swinging

McPherson is able to put together another steady inning and avoid any trouble

2-0 Spikes

The human hamster ball race just concluded and it wasn't even close. The red ball cut the blue one off right out of the gates and made her runaway. I'm a little disappointed in the lack of excitement in the race.

Bottom 2nd

Irvine-HBP

Byler-jacks a ball to deep LF. The first pitch home run puts the Spikes up 4-0. Byler's ball barely avoided the LF foul pole and while the umpire waited a few moments to make the call, Byler was already rounding the bases.

Biela- fouls out to the first baseman

Mendez-grounds out to 3B

Holt-rips a ball foul that ends up in the Spikes' bull pen. The 'pen was at least able to duck out of the way; BB

Summerlin-lines out to 2B

4-0 Spikes

The Spikes were able to go deep once again and now find themselves in control of the game.

Top 3rd

Simon-BB

Paulino-launches a ball to deep LF, but the ball barely stays in the park. A stand up double for Paulino, Simon is on third with no outs

Moore-K swinging

Kanaby-after a foul ball off of the broadcast booth next to us my favorite glass commercial sounded. Copain and I realized I'm becoming numb to all of the advertisements.; hits it hard to 3B Irvine who hesitates and gets the runner at first base

4-1 Spikes

Austin-Biela moved in to make the catch

4-1 Spikes

Bottom 3rd

Chambers-count is full, BB

Baker-grounds out to 2B who gets Chambers at second, Baker safe at 1B

Rubinstein-grounds out to SS who turns the double play

4-1 Spikes

Top 4th

Dickerson-K swinging

Jansen-grounded out to SS Holt

Orton-flies out to deep LF

4-1 Spikes

One of the promotions now is that Ike the Spike just cleaned home plate. I guess that counts for a promotion.

Bottom 4th

Irvine-grounds out to 2B

Byler-BB

meeting on the mound

Biela-Byler steals 2B and even though he over ran the bag, he still was safe; single to RF, Byler to 3B

Mendez-1 out, Pitching change: LHP Ramon Benjamin enters for the Jammers; count is full, flied out to 2B

Holt-Biela takes second on a passed ball, grounded out to 2B

4-1 Spikes

Top 5th

Wade-singles between Holt and Irvine

Simon-K swinging

Paulino-Wade steals 2B; Wade's head first dive was a little unnecessary as their wasn't even a throw; BB

meeting on the mound

Moore-flied out to LF; 2 outs

Kanaby-grounds out to 2B

4-1 Spikes

Bottom 5th

Summerlin-K looking

Chambers-singles to RF; right fielder tried to dive for the ball but had no chance at it

Baker-Chambers steals second; BB

Rubinstein-K swinging

Irvine-flies out to LF

4-1 Spikes

Top 6th

Austin- grounds out to 1B Byler

Dickerson-doubles on a ball hit to the wall in RF

Jansen-flies out to LF

Orton-grounds out to 2B

McPherson holds off the Jammers as he only gives up one hit in the inning.

4-1 Spikes

Bottom 6th

Byler- grounds out to 3B

Biela-singles

Mendez-BB

Holt-rips a single to RF, bases loaded, 1 out

there is another meeting on the mound and this could be a great opportunity for the Spikes to strike again. Pitcher Benjamin walks off the field to the tune of "hit the road Jack" Could it be too harsh??

New pitcher for the Jammers is right hander Kenny Fernandez

both pitchers tonight have not been anywhere near as dominant as Rosario was last night.

Summerlin-fielders choice, second baseman gets Holt out at 2B, Biela scores

5-1 Spikes

The Nookie monster has been getting a lot of work tonight although his last dance seemed a bit short and not nearly as energetic as usual.

Chambers- with runners on the corners and 2 outs, with the count full Chambers is walked

Baker-bases loaded, 2 outs, the crowd is starting to get back into the game after the Spikes have been held scoreless the last 3 innings, 3-2 count BB, walks in a run 6-1 Spikes

Rubinstein-hits a single to RF that gets passed the outstretched glove of RF Moore and clears the bases. 9-1 Spikes. Rubinstein takes second on the throw

Irvine-1-2 count Irvine drills the ball to left-center field for a triple, Rubinstein scores 10-1 Spikes

Byler-grounds out to 3b to end the inning

10-1 Spikes

The Spikes' offense explodes for six runs in the inning and I think the Nookie Monster must be experiencing fatigue. All those appearances in one inning must be taking a toll on the furry blue creature.

Top 7th

Pitching change: RHP Zach Foster enters for the Spikes

Wade:K swinging

Simon-K swinging; Foster was able to register 90 MPH on that last pitch to retire Simon

Paulino-K looking

It's three up and three down for Foster who is able to keep the Spikes nine-run lead

10-1 Spikes

Bottom 7th

While Billie Jean plays and fans stand up and stretch, pitcher RHP Wilson Matos enters for the Jammers

Biela-doubles on an error by the CF. The center fielder did a nice job of covering a lot of ground but dropped the ball out of his glove right towards the end of the play

Mendez-flies out to CF

Holt- K

Summerlin-singles to RF and Biela comes around to score. 11-1 Spikes

the Nookie Monster may need an ice bath after its performance tonight.

Chambers-singles up the middle and Summerlin moves to third, 2 outs

Baker-grounds out to the first baseman

11-1 Spikes

Top 8th

The fans just participated in a where's Waldo search and as part of the 101 promotions are now doing the chicken dance. It is some sort of techno version of the song and Copain tried to dance along but he just couldn't handle it.

Moore-grounds out to 3B

Kanaby-BB

Austin-flied out to 3B Irvine; 2 outs

Dickerson-k swinging

11-1 Spikes

Bottom 8th

Rubinstein-K

Irvine-K

Byler-grounds out to SS

11-1 Spikes

Top 9th

For the fatigue the Nookie Monster is feeling, Ike the Spike is showing no signs of tiring. Ike just danced for about three minutes straight in what has become known as Ike's Single Ladies dance. The 3,084 fans in attendance approved of his dance moves.

Jansen-singles up the middle

Orton-Fielders choice to 2B Summerlin who retires Jansen

Wade-BB

Simon-singles behind Holt, bases loaded, one out

Paulino-fielders choice to 3B, runner scores; 2 outs

11-2 Spikes

Moore-flies out to RF

Final: 11-2 Spikes win Comments

Baseball

Hello Spikes followers! It's Audrey typing away in the press box at Medlar Field. While it's quite cloudy its not enough to stop the Spikes from taking the field. Even though it was a little hectic getting here tonight, Copain and I are here nonetheless.

Starting lineups

Jammers:

CF-Rand Smith

3B--Kyle Jensen

DH-Dustin Dickerson

RF-Sequoyah Stonecipher

1B- Robert Taylor

C-Carlos Paulino

SS-Jose Torres

2B-Nate Simon

RHP Sandy Rosario

Spikes:

SS-Brock Holt

2B-Ty Summerlin

CF-Evan Chambers

1B-Aaron Baker

DH-David Rubinstein

LF-Pat Irvine

C-Craig Parry

3B-Andy Vasquez

RF-Kyle Saukko

RHP-Ricardo Paulino

Top 1st

Smith-bloop single to RF

Austin-flied out to RF Saukko

Jensen-grounds out to Vasquez who is able to turn the double play which ends the inning.

Paulino was able to use the double play to avoid what could have been an interesting set of events with the clean up hitter on deck.

0-0

Bottom 1st

Holt- singles to CF. After making a wide turn Holt decided to stay at first which was probably a good decision for him considering the center fielder was quick to the ball.

Summerlin- At 6:15 p.m. we have just heard the first foul ball broken glass commercial of the game. It's going to be a good night.;grounds to the shortstop who is unable to get Holt at second and his throw is off the mark as the first baseman is unable to tag out Summerlin. Runners on first and second, no outs

Chambers-grounds to the second baseman who gets Summerlin out at second, Chambers safe at first. Runners on the corners with one out

Baker-count is 3-1, BB, bases loaded

Rubinstein-grounds out to the SS who turns the double play.

The Spikes miss out on an opportunity to score after having the bases loaded with just one out.

0-0

Top 2nd

Dickerson-grounds up the middle past the glove of Paulino, but the ball is gobbled up by 2B Summerlin who throws him out

Stonecipher-towering fly ball hit to deep LF, caught on the warning track by Irvine

Taylor-flies out to deep CF as Chambers makes the catch on the warning track

The Jammers were able to send some balls pretty deep, but fortunately for the Spikes the shots missed clearing the fence by just a bit.

0-0

Bottom 2nd

Irvine-flies out to shallow LF

Parry-takes the first pitch and flies out to LF

Vasquez-flies out to CF

0-0

Three up, three down for the Spikes who have two hits so far tonight.

Top 3rd

Paulino-Ricardo Paulino is pitching to Carlos Paulino not sure if there is any relation there but after striking him out on four pitches I'm guessing no.

Torres-singles past the outstretched body of SS Holt

Simon-lines out to Holt who is very alert in throwing the ball back to first base for the double play

0-0

Bottom 3rd

Saukko-grounded out to 2B

Holt-flies out to CF

Summerlin-flies out to CF, was about the same spot Holt hit it to and the ball is carrying pretty well tonight

0-0

Top 4th

Smith-dropped third strike which got behind Parry and rolled towards the Spikes dugout, allowing Smith to be safe at first

Austin-singles up the middle, Smith advances to second, no outs

Jensen-with no outs the passed ball chared to Parry could be costly; it proves to be costly as Jensen blasts the ball down the first base line for a double and both runners score. 2-0 Jammers

Dickerson-grounds out to a diving Aaron Baker who did a great job keeping the ball in front of him, but Jensen advances to 3B, 1 out

Stonecipher-ball drops in front of a charging Chambers as Jensen scores 3-0 Jammers

Taylor-stand up double for Taylor who launches the ball off the center field wall. 4-0 Jammers

Paulino- meeting on the mound; flies out to CF, runner holds at second; 2 outs

Torres- steals third base easily, Parry throws a bit off line and Vasquez can't make the stop, run scores 5-0 Jammers

It will be tough for the Spikes to try and get back in the game after a passed ball put them in a bad situation. Five runs later the Spikes are able to get out of the inning, but the damage has already been done.

5-0 Jammers

Bottom 4th

Chambers- flies out to CF

Baker-K looking

Rubinstein-single up the middle

Irvine-flies out to RF, with confusion in the outfield he makes the play, but the center fielder gets up limping after dodging out of the way of the ball.

5-0 Jammers

Top 5th

Pitching change: RHP Jason Erickson enters for the Spikes

Simon-flies out to LF

Smith-Jammers RF Stonecipher who was slow to get up after the third out just jogged off the field where it seems he will be examined by trainers; Smith singles up the middle

Austin-bloop single to shallow CF, runners on first and second

Jensen-grounds out to 3B Vasquez who turns the double play

5-0 Jammers

Stonecipher will be replaced by OF Zach Moore

Bottom 5th

Parry-BB

Vasquez-K swinging

Saukko-grounds out to 2B who turns the double play

5-0 Jammers

Top 6th

Dickerson-grounds out to SS Holt

Moore-K looking

Taylor-grounds out to SS Holt. Erickson tried for the kick save, but couldn't get it done, but the Spikes were able to get out of the inning anyway.

The Spikes will be allowing fans to renew their vows on the field after the game and after showing a WWE video on the board about avoiding disaster I'm scared to see what happens if fans decided not to renew their vows? Certainly a body slam is a scary thought.

5-0 Jammers

Bottom 6th

Holt- flies out to SS

Summerlin-K looking, retires Summerlin on three straight pitches

Chambers-K looking

Pitcher Sandy Rosario really seems to have his stuff working tonight as he has held the Spikes scoreless and only allowed them to record three hits. Rosario's slider proved to be very effective last inning.

5-0 Jammers

Top 7th

Paulino singles down the RF line

Torres-flies out to RF, runner holds at first

Simon-grounds out to Summerlin who is able to notch the double play

5-0 Jammers

Bottom 7th

Rosario remains in the game pitching for the Jammers.

Baker-lines out to first baseman

Rubinstein-K looking

Irvine-singles to RF

Parry- the Spikes will look to try and get a runner past second base for the first time since the first inning.; Parry singles past the first baseman, and Irvine goes to 3B, two outs

Vasquez-K looking, Vasquez walks back to the dug out in frustration as Rosario has baffled Spikes batters tonight.

The question now is whether or not Rosario will stay in the game for the next inning

5-0 Jammers

Top 8th

Smith-singles up the middle. Erickson left the off-speed pitch high in the zone and Smith was able to connect off of the end of the bat

Austin-flies out to RF

Jensen-fielders choice to 3B Vasquez who gets the lead runner at 2B. As Smith came in to second it looked like he tripped while trying to slide into the bag and is currently being attended to by trainers. Smith is limping off the field as it appears he is suffering from a left knee or leg injury.

Dickerson-flied out to LF

5-0 Jammers

Bottom 8th

Erik Kanaby enters at CF for the injured Smith

Pitching cahange: RHP Arquimedes Caminero enters for the Jammers

Saukko-grounded out to SS

Holt-flies out to SS in foul territory who does a Superman type dive to make the catch. He landed a bit hard, but great catch made by the SS

Summerlin-Caminero is really making the Spikes batters work as his last pitch registered at 97 mph. Both Rosario and Caminero have two of the strongest arms the Spikes have seen this year; Summerlin records a base hit to the 3B; 2 outs

Chambers-rips a ball up the middle nearly taking off the head off of pitcher Caminero for a single, Summerlin advances to third

Baker-pops up to SS to end the inning

5-0 Jammers

Top 9th

Pitching change: Teddy Fallon enters for the Spikes

Moore-BB

Taylor-K looking, 93 MPH fastball

Paulino-grounds to second baseman Summerlin who throws to Holt at the bag, but Holt drops the ball in transition, 1 out runners on first and second

Torres-hits a fair ball which drops hugging the line, bases loaded

Simon- wild pitch by Fallon, runner scores 6-0 Jammers, RBI, flies out to CF, runner scores 7-0 Jammers

Kanaby-HBP, runners on first and second, two outs

Austin-grounds out to 3B Vasquez

7-0 Jammers

Bottom 9th

Rubinstein-flied out to 1B in foul territory

Irvine-grounds out to 2B

Parry-flied out to SS to end the game

7-0 Jammers

The Spikes were unable to put a five run fourth inning behind them and were stifled by Jammers' starter Sandy Rosario. Rosario pitched seven strong innings where he only gave up five hits and held the Spikes scoreless. Rosario had great off -speed pitches all evening and recorded six strikeouts. Rosario earned the win (4-2) while Ricardo Paulino lost the rubber match and fell to (0-3).

Well the post game renewing of the vows is currently under way and there are approximately 14 couples who are standing behind home plate participating in this ceremony. The remaining people are waiting for the fireworks but what a strange ending to this game. See you all tomorrow when the Spikes play the Jammers at 7:05 p.m. Comments

Baseball

The Pirates have assigned LHP Nathan Black to the Spikes and he is officially on the roster just days after he signed his entry-level contract

Baker was Pittsburgh's fifth-round pick in this year's draft out of Ole Miss, where he was teammates with current Spikes pitcher Philip Irwin. As a junior, he went 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA and one save in 20 appearances (seven starts) for the Rebels this season. He made 10 starts as a sophomore in 2008 and pitched in 13 games overall, going 3-6 with a 4.89 ERA.

Baker becomes the fifth left-handed pitcher on the Spikes' roster, though there's no word yet on whether he will be used as a starter or a reliever.

-Copain Comments

Baseball

Good Evening Spikes fans

Copain here from the Medlar Field press box as the State College Spikes wrap up their two-game series with the Auburn Doubledays on a beautiful early August night.

That blue sky above our heads and that shiny thing up there, that's what a sunny day looks like. After rain all day Friday, it's been a beautiful afternoon so far and the only water on the field is coming from the hose of the groundskeeping crew. Like Audrey said, hopefully it stays that way. The Spikes got the game in just ahead of the downpour last night.

Anyway, here are your starters. Ty Summerlin gets a night off as does David Rubinstein for State College

Auburn (16-26)

Ryan Goins - SS

Ryan Schimpf - 2B

Sean Ochinko - DH

Welinton Ramirez - RF

Lance Durham - 1B

Brad Glenn - 3B

Eric Eiland - LF

Karim Turkamani - C

Markus Brisker - CF

Scott Gracey - SP

State College (21-21)

Brock Holt - 2B

Evan Chambers - CF

Justin Byler - 1B

Aaron Baker - DH

Carlos Silva - 3B

Pat Irvine - LF

Andy Vasquez - SS

Butch Biela - RF

Miguel Mendez - C

Victor Black - SP

Unfortunately no Zooperstars tonight. So I will not be able to regale you with a canary shooting silly string out of its belly, as disturbing as I felt it was.

Top 1st

Auburn might possibly have one of the better logos in the league, with the old english A with a top hat and handlebar mustache. Extremely creative

Goins - flies out to left field

Schimpf - grounds out to second. Holt needs to fire a throw in from second but he just does get it there before Schimpf

Ochinko - soft fly to center. Vasquez makes a very nice catch, juggling the ball before he makes a bare-handed catch to end the inning. Definitely up there on the difficulty scale.

No score

Bottom 1st

Holt - continues to be on fire at the plate, hitting a lead-off single to left field

Chambers - Hits a high chopper to third base. Glenn tries to get the lead runner at second but Holt beats out the throw. Chambers is safe at first.

Byler - he is the unquestionable leader in getting his teammates with a pie in the face. He got Holt after the game last night. I can tell he's getting good because he did it so nonchalantly too.

He also shows he's got a pretty good bat, crushing a three-run home run to the picnic tables in left field, his second home run of the year. 3-0 Spikes

Baker - hits a double over the head of Eiland that one hops the wall

Silva - grounds out to third base, Baker has to stay at second

Irvine - grounds out to second base, Baker advances to third

Vasquez - goes after the first pitch and grounds out to second

3-0 Spikes

Top 2nd

One inning in so far and for foul ball sound, we've had pins getting knocked over and a lazer beam. No smashed glass yet. I'll keep you posted

Ramirez - strikes out swinging

Durham - He is the son of former major leaguer Leon Durham, who spent 12 years in the big leagues with the Cubs, Reds and Cardinals (just a little trivia there). Lance Durham walks.

Glenn - strikes out swinging. Second strikeout of the inning for Black

Eiland - grounds out to second base

3-0 Spikes

Bot 2nd

As I mentioned, no Zooperstars tonight. No clever names like Harry Canary or Mackeral Jordan. Instead it's Ronald McDonald and his friends. But after last night, the Hamburglar and Grimace somewhat pale in comparison

Biela - grounds one down the line that hugs the fair side of the line. Biela ends up at second with a double

Mendez - strikes out swinging

Holt - grounds one to first. Unfortunately for Auburn, Durham has the ball bounce off his glove and then airmails a throw home with Biela rounding third. Butch scores from second, Holt ends up at second. Two errors charged to Durham.

4-0 Spikes

Chambers - lines out to first

Byler - flies out to left

4-0 Spikes

Top 3rd

Another foul ball with a laser sound effect. Still no glass yet. Don't think Audrey has noticed yet, but she will

Turkamani - walks

Brisker - grounds a single underneath a diving Silva. Turkamani to second; first hit allowed by Black

Goins - flies out to left field

Visit to the mound, followed by Booker T and the M.G.'s classic hit "Green Onions", number 181 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of all time according to Wikipedia

Schimpf - walks

Another visit to the mound as Gary Robinson will take Black out of the game after he loaded the bases on two walks and a single. Zach Foster comes into the game. Black only allows one hit and strikes out two, but he's responsible for all three runners.

Ochinko - swings at first pitch and grounds one to Holt; Holt tags Schimpf and then fires to first to turn the double play and end the inning. Black loads the bases, Foster needs one pitch to get out of the inning.

4-0 Spikes

Bot 3rd

Time for the Beach Balls of Chaos. Tonight it lives up to it's name as two on the first base side leave the stands. One goes onto the dirt near the tarp, the other ends up in the Spikes' dugout. The crowd boos in response in one of the few times I've heard boos here at Medlar

Baker - flies out to center

Silva - strikes out looking

Irvine - grounds out to third

4-0 Spikes

Top 4th

Michael Felix is the new pitcher for the Spikes

Spikes pitchers so far

Black: 2.2 Innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts, 3 walks

Foster: 0.1 innings, 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 strikeouts, 0 walks

Ramirez - grounds out to third

Durham - can't buy a break tonight. Hits a hard grounder but Felix shows off his leaping ability, bringing it down and firing to first for the out. I'll say it right now, Mike Felix has some "hops"

Glenn - walks; goes to second on a passed ball off the glove of Mendez

Eiland - walks

Another visit to the mound; another nice music choice. This time, they go with the intro of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion"

Turkamani - walks; Felix walks three straight batters with two out

Brisker - gets three straight balls and thinks he has ball four when the home plate umpire calls a strike. Markus has to walk back to get his bat.

He then grounds out to Felix on the next pitch to end the inning

4-0 Spikes

Bot 4th

Bottom of the fourth and Audrey finally gets her smashing glass commercial

Vasquez - flies out to left

Biela - lines a single to right center

Mendez - strikes out swinging for the second time tonight

Holt - grounds out to first

4-0 Spikes

Top 5th

As the nightly pizza giveaway takes place, Audrey astutely notes: "They really love their pizza". She's not the best Spikes beat writer in Central Pennsylvania for nothing.

Brolsma the new pitcher for State College

Goins - flies out to left

Schimpf - singles up the middle

Ochinko - grounds to third, Silva starts the nice 5-4-3 double play to end the inning

4-0 Spikes

Bot 5th

Hard to focus during that last inning. That post the top of the inning had me thinking of Bob Uecker lines from "Major League"

Chambers - doubles down the left field line

As Byler bats, we have a San Francisco-fog moving in off the bay type of situation. Only instead of San Francisco, it's State College and instead of fog, it's smoke from the grill in right field.

Byler - singles up the middle; Chambers goes to third

Baker - hits one deep to right center that's caught by Ramirez. Baker came close to his first professional home run, but instead gets a sacrifice fly that scores Chambers

5-0 Spikes

Silva - hits a grounder to the left side; Byler is out at second, Silva is safe at first on the fielder's choice

Pitching change for Auburn - Willy Mendez is the new pitcher and Audrey mentions he has one of the more bizarre throwing motions as he's taking his warm-up tosses. He's almost all arm. He almost comes to a stop with his lower body before he pushes the ball forward with his left arm.

Irvine - grounds out to first

5-0 Spikes

Top 6th

It's the sixth inning and that means it's time for a State College Staple. Milwaukee has the sausage race, Washington has the President race, Pittsburgh has the pierogi race. And State College has...the eye race. Tonight, Private Eye (called by one Collegian Spikes reporter Audrey Snyder) edges out Iris and Evil Eye in a close finish.

Ramirez - doubles down the left field line

Durham - finally breaks through at the plate, crushing a double to dead center field. Ramirez scores. 5-1 Spikes

Glenn - Takes another Brolsma pitch to dead center, just barely missing a home run off of the batter's eye. The Spikes catch a break when Durham had to hold up and could only advance to third, Glenn ends up with a double.

Eiland - flies out to left; Spikes catch another break when Durham can't score on the play

Turkamani - lines out to the pitcher. Turkamani absolutely blisters a ball back toward the mound and Brolsma is somehow able to make the catch

Brisker - pops out to second base, Brolsma gets out of a second and third, no outs jam and only allows one run

5-1 Spikes

Bot 6th

Vasquez - flies out to center

Biela - walks; steals second during Holt's at bat

Mendez - lines out to center field; nice sliding catch by Brisker

Holt - walks

I'm probably mistaken, but I believe it could be the first time the park played "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers along with a Spikes walk tonight

Pitching change for Auburn - David Slovak enters for the Doubledays with "Pinball Wizard" by The Who on the loudspeakers. Really solid music night so far

Slovak then balks, Biela and Holt advance to second and third

Chambers - singles past a diving Glenn; Biela and Holt score.

7-1 Spikes

Byler - grounds out to second

7-1 Spikes

Top 7th

Brandon Holden now pitching for the Spikes

Goins welcomes him with a double to left field.

It may be just me, but one of the sports Web sites are giving play-by-play updates during NFL training camps. I just learned Mason Crosby missed 24 and 34-yard field goals wide right. That might be more disturbing than the silly string-shooting Harry Canary

Schrimpf - flies out to center field; Goins advances to third

Ochinko - singles to left field; Goins scores. 7-2 Spikes

Ramirez - grounds into fielder's choice. Ochinko out at second; Ramirez steals second base during Durham's at-bat

Durham - hits a two-run home run to right field. Durham crushed this ball to the bleachers in right and the only question was whether the ball would stay fair or not. It stayed fair and Auburn's right back in the game. 7-4 Spikes

Glenn - walks

Spikes pitching coach Mike Steele is getting enough cardiovascular activity for a week. He makes another visit to the mound before Eiland's at bat

Eiland - grounds out to second

7-4 Spikes

Bot 7th

The press box is wondering aloud if Andrew McCutchen will hit his fourth home run of the game for the Pittsbugh Pirates. He's due up third in the bottom of the eighth for Pittsburgh

Baker - doubles to center field past a diving Brisker

Silva - strikes out swinging

McCutchen has just grounded into a double play in the eighth in Pittsburgh, so it looks like he won't get four home runs in one game

Irvine - grounds a double down the left field line past a diving Glenn; Baker scores. The Nookie Monster's making a few appearances tonight. 8-4 Spikes

Vasquez - grounds out to second; Irvine goes to third

Biela - grounds out to second

8-4 Spikes

Top 8th

Five or six Doubledays just sprinted across the field to the tunnel toward the clubhouse. Just thought I'd put that in there.

Alan Knotts now on the mound for State College. He's the sixth Spikes pitcher tonight

Turkamani - pops out to second

Brisker - pops out to first

Goins - hits a sharp grounder to second, Holt throws a rocket in the dirt to first that Byler can't handle. Goins reaches on the throwing error charged to Holt

Vasquez may have just made the play of the night, coming out of no where to make a sliding catch in foul territory on a pop out from Schrimpf to end the inning.

8-4 Spikes

Bot 8th

Keeping with the music theme, "Copa Cabana" by Barry Manilow on the loudspeakers before the inning starts. I'll let that one speak for itself

Mendez - has to get out of the way of a 98 mph fastball from new pitcher Steve Turnbull before he strikes out.

Holt - lines out to second

Chambers - strikes out swinging

8-4 Spikes

Top 9th

The night's winding down here at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, so the park squeezes in "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson before the ninth. That's been a favorite here all season.

Ochinko - hits a fly that just bounces fair, Ochinko puls into second with a double

Ramirez - hits a single to center field, Chambers tries to throw out Ochinko at third but instead almost sends the throw into the Auburn dugout. Error charged to Chambers on the throw, Ramirez goes to second

Durham - strikes out swinging; Mendez checks the runners before throwing to first to complete the strikeout

Glenn - hits a grounder to third but Silva robs him of a hit with a dive to his right. Silva then throws to first to complete the out; Ochinko scores. 8-5 Spikes

Eiland - pops out to Silva

Spikes win 8-5. Townspeople rejoice and fireworks are set off. Some fireworks go into center field and the sprinklers turn on in the outfield, but there are fireworks none the less.

GAME RECAP

Final Stats

Auburn - 5 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors

Spikes - 8 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors

WP: Zach Foster (2-0)

LP: Scott Gracey (1-5)

S: Alan Knotts (2)

HR: Auburn - Durham (4), Spikes - Byler (2)

Time of game: 3:02

Foster throws one pitch, gets a double play and in turn gets his second win of the season and gives the Spikes their second straight win and fifth in the last six games.

With the headlights off and the tarp on the field, we sign off for the evening. We'll be back tomorrow night when the Spikes continue this homestand with the first game of a two-game set against Jamestown.

Until then, good night from Medlar. Comments