March 12, 2016

Box Score

RICHMOND, Va. -- Princeton broke a tie in the sixth inning and added three runs in the seventh to defeat Penn State, 6-2in non-conference baseball action Saturday at the University of Richmond's Pitt Field.

Right fielder Nick Riotto (Washington, Pa.), shortstop Jim Haley (Upper Darby, Pa.) and left fielder Greg Guers (Langhorne, Pa.) each had two-hit games to lead Penn State (5-8), and Guers and first baseman Tyler Kendall (Boynton Beach, Fla.) had an RBI each.

It was not enough though as Princeton (1-3) broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth. A bloop single off the end of the bat on a two-strike, two-out pitch to pinch-hitter Jesper Horsted landed in left field to score a runner from third for the go-ahead run. In the seventh, a pair of walks and an infield single proved costly. With the bases loaded, designated hitter Joseph Flynn hit a liner to right field that was misread and fell for a bases clearing double, giving the Tigers a 6-2 lead.

Princeton received a strong start from RHP Luke Strieber, who went six innings and allowed the two runs on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts. Right-handers Chris Giglio and Danny Thomson held the Lions hitless over the final three innings.

RHP Dakota Forsyth (0-1) suffered the loss after entering with one out in the second inning. In 4 2/3 innings he allowed one run on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts.

Penn State scored in the first inning on a two-out, RBI-single by Guers. Riotto led the game off with a triple but was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice play hit into by second baseman Conlin Hughes (Holly Springs, N.C.). Hughes was able to steal second though and move into scoring positon.

Princeton tied the game back up in the bottom half with a home run by second baseman Danny Hoy. RHP Sal Biasi (Hazelton, Pa.) struck out the first two batters of the inning before surrendering the solo shot and a base hit before getting another strikeout to end the inning.

Princeton would add another run in the second inning after drawing a pair of leadoff walks. A sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position and shortstop Asher Lee-Tyson drove in one on a groundout.

The Tigers led 2-1 until the top of the sixth inning when Kendall hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield with the bases loaded. Centerfielder Danny Baer made a tremendous catch at the wall to prevent multiple runs from scoring, and it was the only run the Nittany Lions would score in the frame.

Princeton made multiple plays on well-hit balls throughout the game to help keep the Penn State offense in check.

The tournament will conclude for Penn State Sunday against Richmond starting 40 minutes after a 9 a.m. game on the same field. The game has been moved up due to the threat of inclement weather.

All ticket options for the 2016 Penn State baseball season are on sale. All prices are remaining the same from last season. Season tickets are $60 and Penn State student and youth (12 and under) season tickets are priced at $20. A single game ticket costs $5 for adults and $3 for PSU students and youths. With the exception of the TCU series and group sales, all tickets are general admission. Click here to purchase or call the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park ticket office at 814-272-1711. For more information on Penn State baseball tickets please call 814-272-1711 or email Stephen Christ schrist@statecollegespikes.com.