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| An Spartan error on freshman outfielder Danielle Kinley's (pictured) first-inning fly ball scored Ashley Esparza for the Lions' winning run. |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; April 21, 2006 - Penn State's softball team used a pair of Michigan State errors in the bottom of the first inning to score the only run it would need Friday afternoon, as Missy Beseres (Golden Valley, Minn.) pitched a one-hitter en route to tying the Penn State record for career victories (49). Behind solid defense and pitching, the Lions held on for the 1-0 Big Ten win, raising their record to 29-11 (4-7), while Michigan State fell to 32-15 on the year (8-3 Big Ten).
Penn State, an undefeated 21-0 when scoring first, got on the board early with the Spartans. Nittany Lion first baseman Ashley Esparza (San Pedro, Calif.) ripped a one-out single to the wall in the bottom of the first inning and got two bases out of it after an error on Spartan centerfielder Nicole Mercado. One out later, freshman outfielder Danielle Kinley (Carlsbad, Calif.) reached second on an error on shortstop Meghan Darhower that sent Esparza home for the early 1-0 Penn State lead.
After scattering numerous hits in the opening innings, the Lions tried to add to their run total in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs, redshirt-senior Leigh Murray (Fairfax Station, Va.) attempted a rally with a single up the middle. Sophomore Jenn Reynolds (Clovis, Calif.) then hit a single through the left side, advancing Murray's pinch runner Kari Lucas (Penns Valley, Pa.) to second base. That's as far as Michigan State starting pitcher Rachel Turney would let the Lions get, however, as the next hitter grounded out to Turney in the circle.
Redshirt-senior Beseres struck out nine Spartans en route to raising her record to 15-5 on the year, pitching her ninth shutout of the year and racking up career victory No. 49. Turney took the loss, falling to 15-7.
Penn State's series with Michigan State continues on Saturday at noon before playing a doubleheader with reigning NCAA champion Michigan on Sunday, also starting at noon. All three games will be broadcast on www.GoPSUsports.com and WBLF, with some games being joined in progress due to Penn State baseball broadcasts from Evanston, Ill., where Robbie Wine's Lions will meet Northwestern.
On Saturday, fans are welcome to the Lions' noon game with the Spartans when Penn State will try to break a mark set for the "World's Largest Softball Tailgate," so pull your cars up to Nittany Lion Field and catch the action before the Blue/White game starts at 2 p.m. Also on Saturday is the Dick's Sporting Goods promotion for the ugliest lawn chair. Pack your most hideous lawn chair when you attend the softball tailgate and game for a chance to win a $25 gift card from Dick's or a new lawn chair. On Sunday, Penn State hosts Michigan at noon for a conference doubleheader. The first 100 fans will receive Penn State softball rally towels.