April 5, 2016
| 7 | 0 |
| Medlar Field | University Park, Pa. | Attn: 599 | |
| Box Score (HTML) | Box Score (PDF) |
VIDEO: Coach Cooper Postgame Comments
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A season-best outing by senior LHP Nick Hedge (Winnetka, Ill.) and multi-run first and fifth innings led Penn State to a shutout victory over Pitt, 7-0, in non-conference baseball action Tuesday night in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
The Penn State (16-12) victory extended a trio of winning streaks. First, the win was the Nittany Lions' seventh in a row overall for their longest winning streak since 2007. It was also the Lions' 10th-straight home victory, a feat not accomplished since 1989 and an extension of a Medlar Field at Lubrano Park record (first season 2007). Lastly, Penn State has now won its last eight games against in-state opponents, including its last three against Pitt.
Additionally, the win was Penn State's biggest of the season in terms of RPI, which was released for the first time in 2016 by the NCAA earlier in the day. Pittsburgh (13-12) ranked 24th with wins over three top-10 teams entering the evening, while Penn State was 130th. It was also Penn State's second shutout of the season and second win over an ACC school.
Hedge (3-1) turned in his finest outing of the season, setting highs for innings-pitched (6.0) and strikeouts (5). He allowed just two hits and a walk. Pitt's best chance to score off of him was in the second inning when third baseman Ron Sherman, who had two of Pitt's three hits on the night, led the frame off with a triple. Hedge responded by striking out the next three batters though to strand him.
To complete the combined shutout, RHP Dakota Forsyth (Bethel Park, Pa.) entered in the seventh and struck out three and walked one in two innings, and RHP Jared Fagnano (Williamsport, Pa.) struck out one and allowed a hit in the ninth.
Hedge had the luxury of early run support, as the Lions led the bottom of the first off with four-straight hits. Shortstop Conlin Hughes (Holly Springs, N.C.), left fielder Nick Riotto (Washington, Pa.) and third baseman Jim Haley (Upper Darby, Pa.) each singled to load the bases, and designated hitter Greg Guers (Langhorne, Pa.) followed with a double through the right side to score Hughes and Riotto. First baseman Tyler Kendall (Boynton Beach, Fla.) then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Haley for a 3-0 lead.
After getting out of the first, Pitt starting RHP Sam Mershing (4-2) settled in over the next three innings, but was unable to get an out in the fifth inning. Hughes led the frame off with a triple and scored on a wild pitch, and then Riotto doubled and Haley walked. Guers moved both into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt, and Kendall delivered with a base hit to right to score both. He later scored on an errant throw when advancing to third on a wild pitch.
Kendall finished the night with a team-high three RBIs, while Guers totaled two. Riotto went 3-for-4 to lead the Lions, while Hughes also enjoyed a multi-hit game. Hughes, Riotto and Haley each scored twice.
Penn State will look to extend both its overall winning streak and its in-state streak Wednesday at Lafayette. First pitch is set for 3:30 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.