June 18, 2010 – New York-Penn League (NYPL) State College Spikes WILLIAMSPORT, PA – the State College Spikes could not overcome two home runs and four runs batted from Williamsport Crosscutters right fielder Domingo Santana, falling to their SawBuck Series rivals, 5-3, in an Opening Night matchup at Historic Bowman Field.

State College (0-1) fell behind early on Santana’s first-inning RBI double, but took the lead with two runs in the third. Walker Gourley started the charge with a double off of a pop fly that Santana lost in the sun, followed by an RBI single by Gift Ngoepe. After Ngoepe stole second, Chase Lyles then notched a run-scoring base hit of his own.

However, Santana then hit a two-run homer to right-center field in the fourth inning to give the lead back to Williamsport (1-0), and slugged a solo blast to left in the seventh to cap the scoring.

The Spikes did threaten again in the sixth, when Justin Bencsko tripled in a run, but could not score with runners on first and third and no outs.

Zach Von Rosenberg (0-1) made his first start in the New York-Penn League for State College, picking up the loss after allowing four runs over four innings of work. the Pirates’ sixth-round draft pick in 2009, Von Rosenberg gave up the first of Santana’s two home runs and sruck out two while walking one batter and hitting one.

Williamsport starter Julio Rodriguez (1-0) earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits over 5 and 1/3 innings. the right-hander also issued four walks, but struck out five as well.

Saturday, the Spikes meet the Crosscutters at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for the 2010 Home Opener. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., as 19-year-old Zack Dodson makes his State College debut on the mound against Williamsport lefty Kevin Angelle.

The fun begins with the Summer Kickoff Carnival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Porter Gardens, adjacent to the ballpark. Admission is free, and fans of all ages can enjoy the Spikes’ new inflatable games, carnival games and appearances by Ike the Spike and the Nittany Bank Nookie Monster.

It all leads up to the Home Opener, presented by PSECU, with gates opening at 5:20 p.m. for season ticket holders and 5:30 p.m. for the general public. Former Penn State wide receiver and current Philadelphia Eagle Jordan Norwood will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and sign autographs for fans from 7:15-8:15 p.m.

The first 3,000 fans will receive a Spikes Schedule Magnet presented by PSECU, which will also present a spectacular post-game FIREWORKS display. Plus it’s Scratch and Win Saturday, as every fan will receive a scratch-off card with a great Spikes deal, and one lucky fan will win tickets to every Spikes home game in 2011.

For ticket information, visit the Spikes Box Office at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, call a Spikes ticket representative at (814) 272-1711, or log on to StateCollegeSpikes.com.

Fans can catch all of the action on the Spikes Radio Network and flagship station 95.3 FM 3WZ starting at 6:35 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay show live from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

The Spikes’ radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the “Listen Live” link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by 95.3 FM 3WZ.

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