WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Thomas Bramley's grand slam and Grant Norris' two-run blast highlighted a 12-run sixth inning to lead the Penn State baseball team to a 15-3 win over Purdue on Friday night at Alexander Field. Penn State improved to 19-11 overall and 2-5 in Big Ten play, while Purdue dropped to 14-18 overall and 5-5 in conference.
Due to the threat of inclement weather on Sunday, the Nittany Lions and Boilermakers continue will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. There will be no game on Sunday. Both games of the doubleheader will be broadcast on B1G+.
Penn State's 19-11 record is its best start since going 20-10 to begin the 2011 season.
Penn State won its fifth-straight game and earned its third-straight game with 10+ runs. Penn State's 15 runs are its most against a Big Ten opponent since 15 against Michigan State on May 8, 2022. The Nittany Lions' 15 runs are its most in a Big Ten road game since 16 at Purdue on April 1, 2012.
The Nittany Lions' 12 runs in the sixth were its most in an inning since scoring 14 in the ninth inning at Pitt on May 17, 2022.
Penn State recorded its third game this year with at least three homers. PSU hit five homers against Brown (3/11) and three against Wagner (3/3).
Bramley joined Ben Kailher (vs. Holy Cross, 3/6) as Nittany Lions with grand slams this season. Penn State last had two grand slams in a season in 2021 (Justin Williams vs. Rutgers, May 17; Johnny Piacentino vs. Ohio State, April 23).
Jaden Henline got the start for the Nittany Lions. The junior tossed 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits. He struck out four batters and recorded no walks. After allowing a run in the first inning, Henline held the Boilermakers scoreless until the sixth. He retired seven-straight batters between the third and fifth innings.
Ryan Partridge finished the seventh and threw the final 2.2 innings. He allowed no runs on five hits and a walk, while striking out two.
Khal Stephen started on the mound for Purdue. He went 5.2 innings, allowing six runs (three earned) on four hits. Stephen struck out four batters and walked four. CJ Backer took over with two outs in the sixth and allowed a hit and two walks while giving up four runs (all unearned). Cal Lambert did not record an out while giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits. Carter Doorn tossed the final 3.1 frames, allowing one run on four hits.
Penn State tallied 14 hits with five Nittany Lions collecting multiple hits. Thomas Bramley launched a grand slam and scored two runs. Grant Norris crushed a two-run homer, while adding a single and scoring two runs. Bobby Marsh had two hits, including a homer, two RBI and three runs. Kyle Hannon recorded two hits, two runs and a steal, while Jay Harry had two hits, including a double, and two runs. Tayven Kelley registered two hits and drove in three runs.
With his 21st steal of the season, Hannon is now in sole possession of sixth in a season at Penn State. He broke a tie with Doug Keener (20, 1985), O.J. McDuffie (20, 1990), Michael Campo (20, 2000) and Greg Guers (20, 2016). Hannon's 21 steals are the most by a Nittany Lion since Sean Deegan's 24 in 2010.
The Boilermakers recorded 14 hits. Couper Cornblum collected three hits, an RBi and a run. Jake Parr added two hits and an RBI.
Purdue got on the board in the first. Mike Bolton Jr. started the inning with a single to left. He moved up to second on a ground out. With two outs, Connor Caskenette shot a ground ball through the left side to bring home Bolton Jr. The Boilermakers held a 1-0 lead.
The Nittany Lions answered in the second. With two outs, Marsh crushed a 2-0 pitch over the wall in right-center. His third homer of the year tied the game at 1-1.
Penn State took the lead with a run in the top of the fifth. With one out, Marsh worked a walk. Billy Gerlott sent a grounder through the left side for a single to put runners on first and second. Kelley bounced a ground ball through the right side of the infield as Marsh hustled home. The Nittany Lions led 2-1.
The Nittany Lions exploded for 12 runs in the sixth. A single by Hannon and a walk by Bramley started the inning. Hannon stole third before Norris drew a walk to load the bases. Josh Spiegel lifted a fly ball to left for a sac fly as Hannon scored. Marsh worked a walk before Gerlott hit a hard ground ball to the left side of the infield, which was misplayed for an error as Bramley scored. Kelley followed with a single up the middle to plate Norris and Marsh. The inning continued as Anthony Steele and Hannon drew walks with Hannon's allowing Gerlott to score.
After the second pitching change of the inning, Bramley blasted a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right for a grand slam. Harry followed with a single to right and moved up to second on a wild pitch. Norris crushed a 2-2 pitch over the wall in left, and on to the street, for a two-run homer. Spiegel singled to right to keep the inning going. An error on a pickoff throw allowed Spiegel to hustle to third. Marsh plated Penn State's 12th run of the inning with a single to right-center to drive in Spiegel. Penn State held a 14-1 lead.
Purdue got a run in the bottom half of the sixth. Cornblum and Jake Jarvis started the inning with singles. Two batters later, Parr dropped a single into center to drive in Cornblum. The Boilermakers trimmed their deficit to 14-2.
Purdue added a run in the seventh. Evan Albrecht lined a one-out single to right. Bolton Jr. drew a walk to put runners on first and second. A single to left by Cornblum plated Albrecht. Penn State led 14-3 through seven.
The Nittany Lions answered with a run in the eighth. Harry led off the inning with a grounder down the third base line for a double. Norris singled to right to put runners on the corners. A high pop up by Spiegel dropped on the infield, resulting in a fielder's choice, but allowed Harry to score. Penn State extended its lead to 15-3.
Season and single game tickets for the 2023 Penn State baseball season are available here. Season tickets are $75 for adults and free for youth (ages 12 and under).
The 2023 Penn State baseball season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
Thomas Bramley