May 16, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Setting up to make a push for the Big Ten tournament this week in Michigan, the Penn State baseball team will hope to continue its late-season surge during its home finale at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Tuesday as the Nittany Lions wrap up their non-conference slate with a battle against intrastate rival Villanova at 3:35 p.m.
Keeping its momentum heading into the Michigan series later this week will be the biggest key against Villanova (19-30). Having won four of its last five games, including a pair against reigning Big Ten champion Minnesota over the weekend, Penn State (30-19) looks to keep its hot streak going.
Yet, before the Nittany Lions can focus their attention on the Wolverines, they must wrap up their home season with a battle against the Wildcats. Although Villanova hit a bit of a rough stretch in the middle of the season, the squad has won its last two contests, including a walk-off 5-4 victory over Rutgers on Sunday.
In a series that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, Penn State holds a slim 30-29 advantage against Villanova. However, the Wildcats have caused fits for the Lions recently, winning each of the previous six contests. PSU picked up its last win against Villanova over 30 years ago as the squad earned a 10-4 victory on April 3, 1976.
Since reigniting the rivalry in 2003, the Wildcats have won every meeting between the two programs. Last year's bout was cancelled following a deluge in eastern Pennsylvania.
The game will be broadcast live on PSU All-Access and ESPN Radio 1450. Additionally, the contest can be viewed on GameTracker through GoPSUSports.com.
Happy Valley has been very kind to the Nittany Lions as the local squad has gone 14-7 during its home tilts this season. Penn State has also won six of its previous seven contests at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, including three last week. On the other hand, Villanova has struggled a bit on the road this season, dropping 15 of its 21 road contests.
Especially strong in non-conference battles this season, Penn State sits at 20-8 outside of the Big Ten. Tuesday's contest will mark the Lions' sixth match-up with a Big East team this year. So far, PSU has held its own during those battles, posting a 4-1 record, including victories over Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Seton Hall.
Looking at common opponents, Penn State holds an 8-1 record against teams that have played both Villanova and PSU this season. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are 5-8 against those same squads.
In the middle of its final push for the postseason, the Nittany Lions have continued to count on their strong pitching staff and powerful offense to overwhelm the opposition. Currently, Penn State leads the Big Ten with 30 home runs and a 3.31 ERA. Defensively, the Lions have also flipped 65 double plays, which ranks in the top-five in the country.
Midweek starters Evan Dixon and Tim Dunn have been especially impressive lately, combining to allow three runs on 10 hits during their last 14.0 innings of work. Dunn has picked up victories during each of his previous two outings, while Dixon was nearly as sharp in his start against Niagara last Tuesday.
In addition to the pitching staff, the Lion lineup has been on fire lately. Over the last nine games, the squad has clubbed nine home runs, including five by Sean Deegan and three by Mario Eramo. Currently, the two sluggers sit first and second in the Big Ten in home runs this season, while Jordan Steranka is tied for fourth.
The offense has also been paced by junior first baseman Joey DeBernardis, who leads the conference with 22 doubles. Overall, he ranks third on the team with a .326 batting average, 34 runs scored, and 32 RBI. He has also roped 61 hits in just 49 games.
Playing well for Villanova, Matt Fleishman has been the Wildcats' most consistent offensive force this season. In 49 games, he has hit a team-high .333 with five home runs and 38 RBI. He has also collected 19 doubles and legged out four triples while swiping six bases.
Along with the team's top standout, Marlon Calbi has been strong at the plate as well. Currently, he's hitting .324 with a team-high .423 on-base percentage. Dain Hall also leads the team with 13 stolen bases, while Paul Rambaud has swiped eight bags in just 10 attempts.
Ultimately one of the team's top power threats, senior David Koczirka has helped anchor the Villanova lineup while clubbing three home runs this season. A native of Thornton, Pa., he was teammates with Penn State catcher Bobby Jacobs for four years at West Chester East High School. Similarly, Luis Montesinos and Villanova's Matt Longfield were also longtime teammates at Palmetto High School in Miami.
Looking ahead, Penn State heads to Michigan on Thursday for a 6:05 p.m. battle with the Wolverines in Ann Arbor. In the middle of a tightly packed group in the Big Ten standings, the Nittany Lions need a strong showing this weekend to clinch their first playoff berth since 2008.
--PSU--