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| Medlar Field | University Park, Pa. | |
| POST GAME LINKS |
| Box Score (HTML) | Box Score (PDF) |
| FINAL STATISTICS |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - James Coates (Girard, Ohio) and Ryan Sloniger (Punxsutawney, Pa.) both enjoyed two-hit games, but Michigan State scored four runs across the six and seventh innings to take a 5-2 victory in the first game of a Big Ten baseball doubleheader Saturday in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Penn State (17-14, 4-4 Big Ten) out-hit Michigan State (21-5, 5-0 Big Ten), 9-6, but stranded 10 runners and was unable to score again after taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Second baseman Connor Klemann (Royersford, Pa.) and third baseman Jim Haley (Upper Darby, Pa.) each tallied RBIs, Coates and Sloniger both went 2-for-4 and first baseman Tyler Kendall (Boynton Beach, Fla.) reached on a pair of walks.
Second baseman Dan Durkin led the Spartans going 2-for-4 and was one of five to tally an RBI. RHP Ethan Landon improved to 3-1, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts.
Michigan State gained its first lead of the game in the sixth on back-to-back sacrifice flies by designated hitter Brandon Hughes and left fielder Taylor Grace. Centerfielder Marty Bechina and first baseman Jordan Zimmerman had led the inning off with walks and, after a pitching change, both moved into scoring position on a bunt single by Durkin.
RHP Sal Biasi (3-4) was strong throughout the first five innings, striking out six, but ran into trouble in the sixth and was ultimately charged with three runs (two earned) on one hit and three walks.
Penn State took an early lead in the second inning on an RBI-single up the middle by Klemann that scored centerfielder Jordan Bowersox (Winter Springs, Fla.) from second base. Michigan State tied the game with an unearned run in the top of the fourth, but Penn State went back ahead in the bottom of the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Haley.
The Spartans added two runs in the seventh for the final margin. RHP Dakota Mekkes (3) struck out three over the final two innings and allowed just one hit and one walk to earn the save.
Following the conclusion of Sunday's games, Penn State will next host Bucknell in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. It will be $1 dog night.
Purchase Penn State baseball tickets by visiting GoPSUsports.com or calling 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.