April 10, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - T.J. Macy recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts for the Nittany Lions as they fell to Purdue, 6-4, on Friday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The Boilermakers tallied a combined three runs in the seventh and eighth innings for the go-ahead score.
Blake Lynd had three hits from the lead-off spot, and Rick Marlin had two hits and a double.
With Macy coasting during the middle innings, the Boilermakers rebounded in the eighth with two runs, including the go-ahead score. David Blount clinched a pitch-hit double down the right field line into the corner. Nick Overmyer took the lead with a single to centerfield. The sixth run of the game for the Boilermakers came in on a run-scoring walk to Eric Charles.
Macy had his fourth no-decision of the season. The Boise, Idado righthander allowed four earned runs in six innings pitched while letting up eight hits. His 12 strikeouts on the night marks the first time a Nittany Lion pitcher has garnered at least 10 punch outs since Alan Stidfole tabbed 13 against Northwestern in 2005.
Jordan Steranka extended his hitting streak to a season-best 14 games. Three players - Grant Youngblood, Lynd and Steranka - each have a 14-game hitting streak this season.
Matt Bischoff was a workhorse for the Boilermakers. Bischoff tossed 147 pitches, 100 of which went for strikes, and let up four earned runs in a complete game.
David Lutz took his first loss of the season after winning his first four decisions.
Penn State and Purdue traded ones on the board in the second inning. Purdue had a single by Alex Jaffee yield the game's first run. In its turn in the second, Penn State scored when Wes Borden creamed a ball into centerfielder, scoring Steranka.
Walks hurt the Nittany Lions in the third when lead-off free passes to Eric Charles and Dan Black led way to two runs for the Boilermakers, which took a 3-1 lead.
During his next outing, Macy settled down, collecting an unprecedented four strikeouts in one inning.
Rick Marlin cut the Purdue lead to one run in the fourth. With Cory Wine at first, Marlin spanked a Bischoff pitch to right field and legged it out for a two-bagger. Bischoff, however, stranded Marlin at second with consecutive pop-outs.
The Nittany Lions took their first lead of the game in the fifth. Louie Picconi started the trend with a stand-up double to the right side. Blake Lynd dribbled a ball into no man's land between first, second and the pitcher, eventually forcing an errant throw that allowed Picconi to hustle around third. Lynd gave the Nittany Lions the lead when he scored via a Mike Deese single over the head of the shortstop.
The Nittany Lions and Boilermakers return to action on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
GAME NOTES: T.J. Macy pitched 128 pitches...David Lutz ended a 9+ inning stretch of scoreless baseball...Penn State turned two double plays in the game. The Nittany Lions are sixth in the nation in fielded double plays.