State College Spikes Open 2022 Season

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Penn State football safety Ji’Ayir Brown throws out the first pitch prior to the State College Spikes 2022 home opener against Williamsport on Friday, June 3, at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Photo by Ryan Parsons | Onward State

By

Ryan Parsons

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June 4, 2022 – 3:06 pm

Community, Local & Penn State Sports, Local News

The State College Spikes, now in their second season in the MLB Draft League, returned to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Friday night for the first home game of the season.

A crowd of 5,298 flocked to the stadium for the matchup against the Williamsport Crosscutters, often milling about in the concourse, Fun Deck and Kids Zone.

Nothing goes better with baseball than a draft beer. The Spikes even introduced a 24-ounce “Deer Bat” this year, which means you can now drink out of a giant plastic bat at the ballpark.

Penn State football safety Ji’Ayir Brown was also on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and sign autographs for fans. Quarterback Sean Clifford will throw out the first pitch on Saturday, June 11.

There was a high of 76 degrees and all sunshine Friday, making for an exciting summer atmosphere in the ballpark.

The Spikes couldn’t keep up with the Crosscutters, falling 11-3 and dropping to 0-2 on the season. But, a beautiful evening, which included fireworks and other festivities, still made for a fun game for fans.

The Spikes have a regular-season record-high 40 home games this year, so you’ll be able to catch a game all summer long if you couldn’t make it Friday. They return to State College on Tuesday for a three-game home against Mahoning Valley.