May 10, 2014
8 Indiana (34-12, 18-2 B1G) | University Park, Pa. • Medlar Field • Attendance: 1,650 | 1 Penn State (17-28, 5-14 B1G) |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; May 10, 2014 - The Penn State Nittany Lions (17-28, 5-14 Big Ten) were held to one run on six hits in Saturday's 8-1 defeat to No. 19/9 Indiana (34-12, 18-2 Big Ten). The Hoosiers power was on display, as IU hit two solo home runs in the win.
For the second consecutive game, Penn State's offensive catalyst was J.J. White (Landsowne, Va.). The sophomore recorded two hits, including an RBI single, for his second-straight multi-hit performance in as many games. White is now a combined 5-for-8 at the plate against the Hoosiers over the two games this weekend.
Penn State's other four hits were turned in by Steve Snyder (West Chester, Pa.), Greg Guers (Langhorne, Pa.), Aaron Novak (Ambler, Pa.) and Ryky Smith (York, Pa.).
The Blue and White's starting pitcher T.J. Jann (Westford, Mass.) and the defense escaped a first-inning jam with no damage done. Indiana recorded a leadoff triple to start the game but Penn State dug in and did not allow the Hoosier to score to keep the game scoreless.
In the bottom half of the first the Nittany Lions capitalized on their scoring opportunity to grab an early 1-0 lead. Snyder led off the first with a double to right center followed by a walk from Jim Haley (Upper Darby, Pa.) and a sacrifice bunt off the bat of Guers. White came up with the clutch hit, singling to center field to plate Snyder from third for the game's opening run.
After a scoreless second stanza, Indiana's potent offense came alive in the top of the third. The Hoosiers used three base hits, including a two-out single through the left side of the infield to score two runners and help IU open up a two-run lead at 3-1.
Two innings later Indiana extended its lead to three runs courtesy of a two-out solo home run from Sam Travis, his second in as many games.
IU took control of the game in the sixth and seventh innings, scoring two runs in each frame to open up a seven-run lead at 8-1. The back-to-back two run innings were highlighted by a solo home run off the bat of Kyle Schwarber in the seventh inning, his ninth of the season.
After the first inning, Indiana's starting pitcher, Christian Morris, was dialed in on the mound. The sophomore tossed seven innings, allowing one run on six hits and two walks while striking out three en route to his fourth victory of the season.
Indiana's Luke Harrison and Scott Effross came in to close the door on the Nittany Lions, combining to pitch the final two innings without allowing a run to secure the Hoosiers' 8-1 victory.
The Nittany Lions and the Hoosiers will wrap up the series on Sunday with the third and final game scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.