STATE COLLEGE, PA—The largest crowd in the history of the State College Spikes filled Medlar Field at Lubrano Park to the tune of 5,708 spectators on Friday as the Spikes topped the Brooklyn Cyclones, 8-0.

The attendance surpassed the previous record of 5,671, set on Opening Night 2007 against Williamsport, and bettered the capacity of the four-year old Medlar Field at Lubrano Park by 138. It was the seventh sellout in Spikes history, as well as the third crowd of 5,400 or better in the past eight days. A total of 5,504 fans, including the largest walk-up crowd in park history, came to last Thursday’s doubleheader against Oneonta, and 5,401 fans packed the park for the 2009 New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday.

The crowd flocked to the ballpark on a 4 for $44 Friday, where fans can purchase four Diamond Club seats, four hot dogs and four small sodas for just $44. One more 4 for $44 Friday remains in the season, as the Spikes will host Williamsport to start the final three-game series of the year at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park next week.

All 5,708 fans at Friday’s game saw State College (30-30) jump out to a five run lead before recording an out in the game to beat Brooklyn (38-21).

Pat Irvine crowned the first inning with a three-run home run as the Spikes quickly turned the early lead into a rout. Irvine had four RBI in the game, going 2-for-4.

Brock Holt also accomplished an offensive feat, getting five hits in five straight innings. The State College shortstop had a single in the eighth and ninth innings of Thursday's game against the Cyclones, then hit a single and two doubles in the first three innings of Friday's game. Holt finished Friday batting 3 for 4 with two runs scored.

Spikes enter fielder Evan Chambers also had two hits and two RBI, including a sacrifice fly in the second inning.

State College starter Kyle McPherson (2-4) threw six scoreless innings, scattering six hits and a walk while notching seven strikeouts for the victory.

New York-Penn League All-Star Jim Fuller (3-6) started for Brooklyn, but was knocked out of the box after just one inning of work in the loss.

The Spikes next hit the road for a six-game stretch that starts with a 7:05 p.m. matchup on Saturday against the Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium. State College will send left-hander Michael Felix (0-1) to the mound to face either right-hander Deryk Hooker (1-4) or right-hander Joe Kelly (2-1) for Batavia.

Fans can catch all of the action on the Spikes Radio Network and flagship station 3WZ at 95.3 FM starting at 6:50 p.m. with the Spikes GameDay Show live from Dwyer Stadium.

The Spikes' radio broadcast can also be heard worldwide through the "Listen Live" link on StateCollegeSpikes.com, provided by 95.3-3WZ.

-state college spikes