AUBURN, N.Y. - The State College Spikes jumped on the Auburn Doubledays early with a four-run first inning and never looked back, earning a 10-4 win on Friday night at Falcon Park.
State College (3-5) set season highs for runs and hits as each of its first five hitters hit safely to start the game. Andy Vasquez led the Spikes' attack with a 3-for-5 performance that included a double and two runs scored. Justin Byler also keyed the Spikes attack with a two-run triple in the first inning, and reached base three times in total. David Rubinstein added his third multi-hit game of the year, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Auburn (3-4) got offensive contributions from Randy Schwartz, who hit his fourth home run of the year in the second inning, and Welliton Ramirez, who went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.
Nelson Pereira (1-1) picked up his first win of the year for State College, going three innings in relief of starter Ricardo Paulino and allowing two runs, one earned, on two hits and two walks. Pereira stuck out three in the victory, and retired the last eight batters he faced.
Scott Gracey (0-2) took the loss for the Doubledays after allowing five runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings.
Saturday night, the Spikes and Doubledays face off at 6:05 p.m. in the rubber match of their three-game set at Falcon Park. State College will send right-hander Kyle McPherson (0-0) to the mound, while Auburn will send left-hander Evan Crawford (1-0).
