May 13, 2017
| 2 | 5 |
| Bart Kaufman Field | Bloomington, Ind. | 2244 | |
| POST GAME LINKS |
| Box Score (HTML) | Box Score (PDF) |
| Video: Coach Cooper Postgame |
| FINAL STATISTICS |
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - RHP Justin Hagenman (Voorhees, N.J.) went the distance for Penn State, but the Nittany Lions were unable to come up with enough timely hits as Indiana defeated them, 5-2, in Big Ten baseball action Saturday afternoon in Bart Kaufman Field.
Indiana (28-18-2, 11-8-1 Big Ten) out-hit Penn State (15-34, 3-17 Big Ten), 11-10, but the Nittany Lions had more baserunners reach as they received three walks while Hagenman (1-10) issued none and hit one. However, Penn State went just 4-for-19 with runners on base and 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Indiana managed two hits with runners in scoring positon and left fielder Alex Krupa hit a home run.
Eight of Penn State's nine hitters had at least one hit, and catcher Ryan Sloniger (Punxsutawney, Pa.) reached base in all four plate appearances, drawing two walks and singling twice. First baseman Willie Burger (Lancaster, Pa.) also had a two-hit game while shortstop Conlin Hughes (Holly Springs, N.C.) tallied the lone RBI.
Hagenman was credited with his first career complete game, allowing five runs on 11 hits with no walks and six strikeouts in eight innings. Indiana also benefitted from strong pitching as RHP Pauly Milto went six shutout innings, only allowing six hits and three walks while striking out seven. Penn State's runs came off LHP B.J. Sabol, who surrendered two runs (one earned) on four hits. RHP Matt Lloyd (7) earned the save with a perfect ninth.
Krupa was one of three Hoosiers to tally a two-hit game. Right fielder Logan Sowers also had two hits and an RBI, while Lloyd, who started as the DH, drove in a pair with his lone hit of the day.
Indiana scored the game's first runs in the fourth inning. Third baseman Luke Miller led the inning off with a double to right, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly. The Hoosiers were then able to get a pair of hits for another run, as first baseman Matt Gorski bunted for a base hit, stole second after sliding around the tag, and scored on an RBI-base hit by catcher Jake Matheny.
Krupa led the fifth inning off with a solo home run over the right field wall for a 3-0 Indiana lead.
The Nittany Lions threatened in the sixth inning by loading the bases with one out, but a double play ended the inning before anyone scored. They broke through though in the seventh, as designated hitter Brett Davis (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) led the inning off with a single and scored from third on a two-out single to left by Hughes.
Indiana answered though with a two-RBI base hit by Lloyd in the bottom half for a 5-1 lead.
Penn State took advantage of an error in the eighth for one more run, as Sloniger scored from first after the throw from third on a hit by second baseman Christian Helsel (Altoona, Pa.) skipped away at first and went to the wall.
It would be the last run Penn State could manage though as Lloyd silenced the Lions' bats in the ninth.
Penn State and Indiana conclude the series Sunday at 12:05 p.m. live on BTN.
Just four home games remain for the Nittany Lions. Tickets can be purchased at GoPSUsports.com or by calling the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park ticket office at 814-272-1711.
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