Fourth overall pick in 2009 has moved up two levels since signing in June
By Matthew Stucko / Special to MLB.com
After the Pittsburgh Pirates made him the No. 4 overall pick in the June 2009 First-Year Player Draft, catcher Tony Sanchez quickly launched into a stellar professional debut.
The 21-year-old was promoted to Class A Advanced Lynchburg last Saturday to help the Hillcats’ playoff run. It was his third stop in a rapid climb up the organizational ladder that began in June.
Guy Cipriano – gciprian@centredaily.com
UNIVERSITY PARK — Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington doesn’t relish deadlines despite what last August added to his farm system.
During his swing through State College, Huntington said it’s unlikely the organization will repeat last year’s flurry of last-minute draft signings.
The deadline for signing 2009 draft picks is Aug. 17.
The Pirates added infielder Pedro Alvarez, pitching Quinton Miller and outfielders Robbie Grossman and Wesley Freeman shortly before last year’s deadline. The quartet was a major reason the organization spent nearly $10 million to sign its 2008 picks.
“The reality is that last year was a situation we don’t want to repeat,” Huntington said before leaving Medlar Field at Lubrano Park late Wednesday night. “Hopefully, it’s a unique situation and one we never want to go through again.”
via Bucs’ Huntington likes signing draft picks early | Penn State News | Sports – Centre Daily Times.
By Guy Cipriano – gciprian@centredaily.com
UNIVERSITY PARK — The State College Spikes went on a six-game roadtrip and returned to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park with a new team.
Spikes left-hander Mike Felix made his season debut with the team on Sunday against Mahoning Valley. He threw four innings of relief in a 5-4 Scrappers win.
OK, that’s stretching it. But today’s Spikes don’t resemble the group that started the season here earlier this month.
via Spikes’ roster in major shuffle mode | Penn State News | Sports – Centre Daily Times.
By MIKE McLAIN Tribune Chronicle
NILES As the Mahoning Valley Scrappers embarked upon their first road trip of the season, they left with a 5-1 record and enough quality pitching to allow manager Travis Fryman to sleep well.
The Scrappers finished the six-game homestand with a 2-1 loss to the State College Spikes Wednesday at Eastwood Field in a New York-Penn League game. Once again, the Scrappers received excellent efforts from a pitching staff that generally throws strikes and retires batters with regularity.
NILES, Ohio — Another night in Mahoning Valley meant another one-run game for the State College Spikes, and this time they found themselves on the right side of a close encounter.
A quartet of pitchers allowed eight hits and walked just one as the Spikes ended their series against the Scrappers with a 2-1 victory Wednesday at Eastwood Field.
The game marked the Spikes’ fifth straight decided by one run. The Spikes are 2-3 in those games.
via Spikes turn tables on Scrappers | Penn State News | Sports – Centre Daily Times.
By Audrey Snyder
Collegian Staff Writer
State College Spikes pitcher Tyler Cox took the mound Wednesday at Eastwood Field in hopes of correcting the mistakes that plagued him in his season debut.
The left hander managed to make the most of his start by striking out five batters in his five innings of work, while giving up only one run.
via Cox puts forth solid effort as Spikes avoid sweep – The Daily Collegian Online .
Mahoning Valley had several opportunities to score but couldn’t take advantage as its winning streak stopped at five games.
By JOHN KOVACH
Vindicator sports staff
NILES —The streak has ended.
Now, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers hope to regroup to start another one.
The Scrappers’ undefeated streak was snapped at five games Wednesday night, as the State College Spikes managed to eke out a 2-1 victory before 2,066 fans at Eastwood Field in a pitching and defensive struggle.
June 24, 2009 – New York-Penn League (NYPL) State College Spikes
The State College Spikes finish up a three-game series with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers tonight at Eastwood Field. The Scrappers have clinched a series victory by winning the first two games. State College now trails in the all-time series, 18-14, and has won just four of 17 games played at Eastwood Field.
via Spike Game Notes June 24th – OurSports Central – Independent and Minor League Sports News.
