March 22, 2017
| 4 | 3 |
| 10 Innings Medlar Field at Lubrano Park | University Park, Pa. | 604 | |
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| FINAL STATISTICS |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" A back-and-forth baseball game was settled in the 10th inning as an errant throw on Willie Burger's (Lancaster, Pa.) sacrifice bunt allowed Conlin Hughes (Holly Springs, N.C.) to score the game-winning run for Penn State in a 4-3 victory over Bucknell Tuesday evening in the 2017 home opener on Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Hughes singled to right to start the bottom of the 10th, and he advanced to second when left fielder Braxton Giavedoni (Punxsutawney, Pa.) was hit by a pitch. Burger was just looking to sacrifice both of them into scoring position, but a well-placed bunt only part way down the left field line forced a long throw for RHP Mike Stephens (2-1), and his toss sailed away from the first baseman and into foul ground in right field, allowing Hughes to continue around third and across home plate.
Hughes led Penn State (7-11) offensively, going 3-for-4, a home run shy of the cycle. Returning to the leadoff spot in the lineup for just the third time this season, Hughes accounted for half of the Lions' four runs and six hits.
Penn State was strong on the mound too, as redshirt freshman RHP Eric Mock (Shillington, Pa.) dazzled in his first career start, allowing just a hit and a walk while striking out five over four innings before being lifted on a pitch count. RHP Dakota Forsyth (Bethel Park, Pa.) allowed just one hit and one walk over two scoreless innings, and RHP Nick Distasio (2-0) was able to bounce back after allowing the game-tying run, totaling five strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.
Bucknell RHP Mike Castellani only faced the minimum his first time through the Nittany Lion lineup, but Hughes tripled to lead off the fourth and scored on a groundout by centerfielder Mason Nadeau (Lansdale, Pa.) for a 1-0 lead. It was Castellani's only run allowed and the last of two hits he allowed in five innings of work. He struck out five and walked one, as well.
Castellani was in line for the win after Bucknell answered the very next frame with two runs. Shortstop Luke Johnson and third baseman Keifer Rawlings led the frame of with a double and single, respectively, and then Johnson scored on a ground out by catcher Evan Klugerman and Rawlings scored on a triple by second baseman Tyler Wincig.
Penn State was able to get its offense going against the bullpen after Castellani left following the fifth.
The Lions had a chance to score in the bottom of the sixth. Shortstop Logan Goodnight (Wheeling, W.Va.) led the frame off with a walk, but he was thrown out at home trying to score from first base on a double by Hughes. Hughes was then thrown out trying to steal third.
Penn State continued its offensive pressure and regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh. Giavedoni led off with a double and was sacrificed to third by Burger, and then Nick Riotto (Washington, Pa.) reached on a fielder's choice after Giavedoni faked a break from third and drew a throw home. Riotto then stole second and a strikeout put the Lions down to their last out, but catcher Ryan Sloniger (Punxsutawney, Pa.) drew a walk to load the bases and third baseman Christian Helsel (Altoona, Pa.) was hit by a pitch to bring home the tying run. Catcher Alex Malinsky (Apex, N.C.) then pinch-hit and drew a walk to bring home the go-ahead run.
However, Bucknell tied the game in the top of the ninth. Rawlings and Klugerman hit back-to-back doubles to start the frame, scoring Rawlings. Distasio buckled down though, striking out the next two batters and inducing a groundout to end the inning.
The Nittany Lions and Bison both had runners reach second base in the bottom of the ninth and top of the 10th, respectively, but none scored, setting up the dramatic bottom of the 10th.
The non-conference baseball game between Penn State and West Virginia scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed due to forecasted temperatures and wind chills. The teams will seek to make the game up on a mutually agreeable date later in the season.
The Lions are next slated to open a four-game series against Columbia Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Season, flex and single-game ticket options for the 2017 Penn State baseball season in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park are now on sale by clicking here or by calling the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park ticket office at 814-272-1711. Ask about the hospitality suite option for season ticket holders.
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