State College grad Nick Raquet returning to hometown for series against Spikes

State College grad Nick Raquet will be back in his hometown with the Auburn Doubledays this weekend.

Raquet and the Doubledays open a three-game series with the State College Spikes at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park at 7:05 p.m. Friday. The teams also play at noon Saturday and at 6:05 p.m. Sunday.

Raquet, a left-handed pitcher, is in the first season of his professional career after being selected by the Washington Nationals in the third round of June’s MLB draft. It is the highest a Centre County high school product has been chosen in the Major League draft.

Raquet signed with the Nationals on June 20 and started his pro career in the Gulf Coast League. After making one appearance with the Gulf Coast League Nationals — Raquet threw two scoreless innings — he was promoted to Auburn on Monday. In his debut with the Doubledays on Tuesday, he struck out three in three scoreless innings against Batavia.

In five innings this summer, Raquet has allowed five hits while striking out five and walking one.

After his high school career with the Little Lions, Raquet spent one year at North Carolina and two at William and Mary.

In his redshirt sophomore season at William & Mary this spring, Raquet posted a 2-2 record with a 4.66 ERA in 16 appearances. He also finished with a team-high 95 strikeouts.

This story was originally published July 6, 2017 at 7:59 PM with the headline "State College grad Nick Raquet returning to hometown for series against Spikes."