CARY, N.C. – Freshman Matt Wood went 3-for-4 with three runs scored in his debut and sophomore Ryan Ford drove in three runs as Penn State defeated Bucknell, 9-6, in its season-opening baseball game Friday afternoon at the USA Baseball National Training Center.
Penn State (1-0) never trailed in the contest. Ford drove in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the second and Wood hit an RBI-single in the third for his first career hit and a 2-1 Penn State lead.
The Nittany Lions then took command in the bottom of the sixth inning, breaking a 2-2 tie with a three-run frame. Wood led the inning off with a double and the Lions loaded the bases with one out to bring Ford up, who singled up the middle to score two. Ford then took advantage of a fielder's choice, error and wild pitch to score himself for a 5-2 lead.
Bucknell got one run back in the top of the seventh, but Wood answered for Penn State in the bottom half by singling, stealing second and then scoring on a double off the left field wall by shortstop Kris Kremer (Hershey, Pa.)
Penn State put the game out of reach in the eighth inning with three runs for a 9-3 advantage. Cole Bartels doubled down the right line in his first career at-bat and scored on a one-out single by catcher Jacob Padilla (Wylie, Texas). Wood then walked with two outs and third baseman Justin Williams drove home both with a double down the left line.
The Bison added three unearned runs in the ninth for the final margin.
RHP Bailey Dees (Charotte, N.C.) was strong on the mound, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and four walks with three strikeouts, while State College-native RHP Mason Mellott (1-0) earned the win with an inning and a third or relief.
Left fielder Chris Cannizzaro and catcher Alex Baumann paced the Bison with two RBIs each. RHP Nate Grisius (0-1) was strong on the mound through the first five innings, but was ultimately charged with four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks after the Lions got to him in the sixth.
Penn State next plays NJIT in a doubleheader Saturday at noon. Both games will be limited to seven innings. The Nittany Lions will then conclude the weekend Sunday at 10 am against Monmouth.
The complete 2020 baseball schedule is available at GoPSUsports.com. Ticket, promotional and broadcast information will be announced at a future date. The 2020 Penn State baseball season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
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