April 8, 2018
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. ââ'¬" Penn State center fielder Jordan Bowersox drove in two late, but the Nittany Lions were unable to sustain the rally, as Minnesota won, 8-2, Sunday afternoon on Purdue's Alexander Field.
Bowersox (Winter Springs, Fla.) drove in both of Penn State's (7-18, 1-8 Big Ten) runs, catcher Ryan Sloniger (Punxsutawney, Pa.) went 2-for-4 with a double and third baseman Connor Klemann (Royersford, Pa.) also doubled. On the mound, LHP Dante Biasi (Hazle Township, Pa.) (1-4) worked 4 2/3 innings for Penn State, allowing four runs on four hits and seven walks with four strikeouts.
Minnesota (21-10, 5-1 Big Ten) was paced by shortstop Terrin Vavra and right fielder Ben Mezzenga with two hits, including a double and two RBIs each. Centerfielder Alex Boxwell also drove in two, while third baseman Micah Coffey reached base four times going 2-for-3 with two runs and two walks. On the mound, RHP Reggie Meyer (3-2) worked five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and a walk with four strikeouts.
Minnesota jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third. Second baseman Luke Pettersen drew a one-out walk that was followed by a sacrifice bunt and Vavra double for the first run. Catcher Eli Wilson then singled through the right side to score Vavra. The Gophers then loaded the bases before Biasi was able to pick up a strikeout to end the inning.
Penn State looked to tie the game in the top of the fourth after Sloniger singled up the middle and Klemann walked to lead off the frame, but Minnesota earned outs during the next three plate appearances to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
Minnesota added a pair of runs in the fifth for a 4-0 lead, taking advantage of a pair of two-out walks. Mezzenga singled up the middle to score the first run of the inning and chase Biasi, who gave way to RHP Mason Mellott (State College, Pa.) Pinch-hitter Eduardo Estrada then singled up the middle for another run.
Penn State got on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh inning, loading the bases on an error and a pair of walks. With two outs, Bowersox tallied the lone hit of the inning, slicing a single to shallow right field to score two. However, Minnesota answered with three runs in the bottom half, with two scoring unearned following an error, for the final margin.
The three-game series, originally scheduled to be played at Minnesota, was played at Purdue due to winter weather in Minneapolis.
Penn State will next play in the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park, to take on West Virginia. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Season, flex and single-game tickets for the 2018 season, presented by Family Clothesline, are available online at GoPSUsports.com or by calling the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park ticket office at 814-272-1711.
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