PISCATAWAY, N.J.- The Penn State softball team (27-16, 9-5 Big Ten) overpowered Rutgers (23-26, 1-15 Big Ten) in an 8-0 run rule victory in New Jersey at the Rutgers Softball Complex Saturday afternoon.
Lilia Crouthamel had a historic day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple, grand slam, and six RBI. She became the fifth Nittany Lion all-time to have six RBI in a game and the second to do it this season, joining Ally Kurland who had six RBI in a 12-0 win over North Carolina on March 4.
Kylee Lingenfelter took the win for Penn State in her fifth complete game of the season. She struck out six, the third most strikeouts the senior has had in a game this season. Maggie Finnegan and Liana Jones both had an RBI in the win. Lauren Marcotte reached base in all three at bats in the game with three walks.
How It Happened
Kylee Lingenfelter started the game strong in the circle, striking out two Scarlet Knights in the first inning. Both teams were able to get a base runner, but the game was scoreless after one.
The Nittany Lions started the scoring in top of the second. Lilia Crouthamel roped a triple into the right centerfield gap, scoring Lauren Marcotte and Lexie Black to make it a 2-0 game. Lingenfelter struck out two more Rutgers' batters in the bottom half of the inning to preserve the lead.
Ally Kurland started the third with her 15th double of the season to give Penn State a runner in scoring position. A Michelle Leone walk and Kaitlyn Morrison sac bunt put runners on second and third with one out. Another walk for Marcotte loaded the bases.
Maggie Finnegan lined a ball into right field for the RBI single and the 3-0 Penn State lead, prompting a pitching change for Rutgers. Liana Jones then battled with the new Rutgers pitcher, walking on a 13-pitch at bat to walk in a run and make it 4-0 game. Crouthamel then stepped up to the plate and smacked a ball off the foul pole in left field for a grand slam. It was her second grand slam of the year and sixth RBI in the game.
Rutgers was able to muster up its first hit in the bottom of the third. The Scarlet Knights were then able to get two base runners in the bottom of the fourth, but Lingenfelter's sixth strikeout of the game got Penn State out of trouble.
Marcotte walked for the third time in the game to start the fifth, prompting another pitching change for Rutgers. The Nittany Lions ended up leaving two stranded, giving Rutgers one last chance to avoid the run rule.
Rutgers was able to get two runners on, but Lingenfelter and the Penn State defense shut the Scarlet Knights down and secured the 8-0 run rule victory in five innings.
Game Notes
- Lilia Couthamel became the fifth Nittany Lion all time to have six RBI in a single game. It was her fifth multi-hit and fourth multi-RBI game of the season.
- It was Crouthamel's second grand slam of the season and third home run of her college career. She also registered her third triple of the season, which leads the team.
- Ally Kurland hit her team-leading 15th double in the win. She's now tied for fourth all time for doubles in a season by a Nittany Lion. She also extended her hitting streak to six games.
- Lauren Marcotte has reached base in her last six at bats in the series.
- Liana Jones reached base for the fifth game in a row.
What's Next
The Nittany Lions and Scarlet Knights finish their series in New Jersey tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. with the game streaming on B1G+ ($).