Conor Larkin Tosses Gem in Nittany Lions 5-1 Win Over RutgersConor Larkin Tosses Gem in Nittany Lions 5-1 Win Over Rutgers

Conor Larkin Tosses Gem in Nittany Lions 5-1 Win Over Rutgers

Box Score

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State baseball team (6-10, 6-10) used a stellar pitching performance from Conor Larkin to win game two of the three game series against Rutgers on Saturday, April 3. Larkin tossed six shutout innings and struck out seven to pick up his first win of the season.

Penn State took the series from the Scarlet Knights after winning Friday's game 1-0 and Saturday's 5-1 win.

How it Happened

  • The Nittany Lions jumped on Rutgers starter early. Gavin Homer led off the game with a single to left and Tayven Kelley followed with a double down the left field line to put runners on second and third.
  • A sac fly from Johnny Piacentino plated the first run of the game and gave Penn State the 1-0 lead. Justin Williams singled through the right side to score Kelley and extend the Nittany Lions advantage to 2-0.
  • After a foul out, Matt Wood doubled home Williams and gave Penn State the 3-0 lead after one inning.
  • The Nittany Lions added another run in the top of the third to give Larkin a four-run cushion.
  • Larkin was sharp on the mound from his opening pitch as he retired the first 13 batters he faced. The first baserunner of the game for Rutgers came in the bottom of the fifth with one out in the frame.
  • Rutgers loaded the bases in the fifth but Larkin got a weak ground ball to Williams at third and he fired across the diamond for the 5-3 double play to end the inning and keep Penn State ahead 4-0.
  • Penn State scored another run in the sixth to make it 5-0. Cole Bartels led off the inning and was sacrificed to third on a bunt by Curtis Robison. Jay Harry singled to right field to score Bartels to extend the Nittany Lion lead.
  • Jaden Henline came on in relief for Larkin and went two innings, allowing one run and struck out three.
  • Mason Mellott shut the door, tossing a scoreless ninth to wrap up the 5-1 win and secure the series win for Penn State.
  • The Nittany Lions will go for the series sweep tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET as Kyle Virbitsky takes the ball for Penn State.

Stats

Williams – 3-5, 2B, RBI, R
Harry – 3-4
Piacentino – 2-4, RBI, R

Larkin (W, 1-3) – 6 IP, 7 Ks, 0 ER