April 11, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Embarking on an 11-game homestand, the Penn State baseball team will look to continue its winning ways in Happy Valley as the squad hosts Mount St. Mary's at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m.
Making the team's ninth appearance at home in 2011, Penn State (19-10) has posted a 5-3 mark so far this year at its cozy confines. Meanwhile, The Mount (12-16) is an even 7-7 in road tilts during the season.
Midweek battles between the two programs have become a common occurrence over the last few years as Mount St. Mary's has made the trek to University Park during three of the previous four seasons. Overall, Penn State holds a 4-3-1 all-time record against The Mount but the squad has lost two of their most recent match-ups.
Yearly bouts have made the teams quite familiar with one another. Michael Glantz has feasted on Mount pitching over the years, posting three hits with two runs scored during a pair of contests. Jordan Steranka also went 3-for-4 with three RBI against the squad during an 8-3 victory in 2009, while Elliot Searer recorded a hit and walk in a 2-1 setback to Mount St. Mary's last season.
Similar to most Penn State home games, fans can follow the action by watching GameTracker on GoPSUSports.com. A live radio broadcast will also be available on PSU All-Access as well as ESPN Radio 1450 AM.
Coming into the game on fire at the plate, Penn State looks to continue its recent offensive surge. Entering the week, Jordan Steranka leads the Big Ten with six home runs, 37 RBI, and 33 runs scored. Senior slugger Mario Eramo also sits second in the league with five bombs, while Sean Deegan is third with four.
Having a similarly great year, first baseman Joey DeBernardis sits atop the Big Ten with 16 doubles. An anchor defensively as well, he has helped the squad flip 40 double plays this year, which easily leads the Big Ten and ranks in the top-10 nationally.
Assigned the task of quieting the potent Penn State attack will be Marshall Thomason. A right-handed pitcher, he has made four appearances for Mount St. Mary's this year. During limited action, he has allowed 10 hits and six earned runs while striking out seven in 8.1 innings of work.
Armed with a dangerous lineup, The Mount has five starters hitting over .300. Tommy Flynn leads the way with a .364 average to go along with two home runs and 12 RBI. Zach Helman is also hitting .360, while Andrew Caron boasts a .337 mark and a team-high 25 RBI.
Following Tuesday's action, Penn State will continue its homestand on Wednesday when the squad hosts intrastate rival Pittsburgh at 6:05 p.m. Later in the week, the Lions will welcome Purdue to town for a crucial three-game series starting on Friday at 6:35.
--PSU--