April 23, 2016
| 4 | 6 |
| Bainton Field | Piscataway, N.J. | 559 | |
| Box Score (HTML) | Box Score (PDF) |
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Penn State scored four runs in the seventh inning and nearly had twice as many hits for the game, but Rutgers was able to weather the Nittany Lions rally to regain the lead and win, 6-4, in Big Ten baseball action Saturday afternoon at Bainton Field.
Penn State (23-17, 8-6 Big Ten) rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the top of the seventh to tie the game, scoring all four runs with two outs, but Rutgers 20-19 (5-6 Big Ten) went back ahead in the bottom half on a two-RBI double by freshman pinch-hitter Mike Martinez.
The Nittany Lions outhit the Scarlet Knights, 11-6, but stranded 12 base runners to Rutgers' seven and walked seven to Rutgers' four. Designated hitter Tyler Kendall (Boynton Beach, Fla.) second baseman Connor Klemann (Royersford, Pa.) and centerfielder Jordan Bowersox (Winter Springs, Fla.) all had two-hit games for Penn State, with Kendall driving in the first two runs of the seventh, Klemann walking three times to reach in all five plate appearances and Bowersox doubling to lead off the seventh.
To lead Rutgers, left fielder Mike Carter played well defensively and went 2-for-4 with two runs, while right fielder Tom Marcinczyk reached three times with a two-RBI double and two runs scored.
Rutgers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a pair of doubles. Marcinczyk hit a ground-rule double in a 3-0 count to dead center to drive in two runs, and centerfielder Jawuan Harris followed with a double to the left gap to plate him.
The Nittany Lions appeared poised to at least reduce the disadvantage in the top of the second inning, loading the bases with one out, but a double play ended the inning. Four walks and an error on a stolen base attempt allowed Rutgers to extend its lead to 4-0 in the fifth.
The Lions came through though the next time the bases were loaded in the seventh. Kendall battled back from a 0-2 count and singled to left to drive in two runs. First baseman Willie Burger (Lancaster, Pa.) followed with a double to the right corner to drive in one more, and an error on the throw home on the play allowed Kendall to score from third.
However, Rutgers was able to regain the lead with two runs in the bottom half. RHP Jack Anderson (Evanston, Ill.) took the mound with two runners on and one out and was able to strike out one, but Martinez battled with two strikes and hit a ground-rule double to left to score both.
RHP Dakota Forsyth (1-2) suffered the loss, working 1 2/3 innings and allowing a hit and three walks while being charged with the two go-ahead runs. RHP Sal Biasi worked the first 4 2/3 innings for Penn State, allowing four runs on three hits and four walks with three strikeouts.
RHP Ryan Fleming (2-0) earned the win in relief, getting Rutgers out of the seventh and pitching through the eighth inning, surrendering only a single and a walk. RHP Max Herman picked up the save in a scoreless ninth. RHP John O'Reilly started and went 6 2/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks with six strikeouts.
Penn State and Rutgers will conclude the series Sunday afternoon starting at 1 p.m.
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.