Penn State wrapped up its time at the SpaceU Classic in Orlando against Charleston Southern on Sunday morning. The blue and white rode an eight-game winning streak and looked to go undefeated at the tournament with a victory.
Coach Clarisa Crowell’s squad just keeps on rolling, earning a shutout 7-0 victory over Charleston Southern and taking a 13-2 record into Week 4.
The two squads already faced each other on Friday, with Penn State routing the Buccaneers, 10-2. Sophomore right-hander Kinsey Clopton shut down the Nittany Lions scorching offense in the first, but the bats quickly caught fire in the second.
First baseman Kirsten Finarelli drew a five-pitch lead-off walk and designated player Gabby Gradishar followed with another walk. Clopton couldn’t find her control and walked catcher Madison Siedel, which brought in sophomore right-hander Brenna Conley.
With bases loaded and no outs, right fielder Cara Bohner lifted a sacrifice fly to center and drove in the first run of the game, 1-0. Shortstop Kaylie Walters tapped an infield single in front of catcher Emma Smith and everyone was safe. However, Conley locked in and retired the next two batters.
While the blue and white’s offense only plated one run across in the first three innings, junior right-hander Bridget Nemeth dealt on the mound. The Glendora, California, native totaled three strikeouts and allowed just one hit over the first four frames.
The bottom of Penn State’s lineup set up its big bats for some damage in its half of the fourth. Bohner reached on a bobbled error by second baseman Maddie Lee. Walters advanced Bohner into scoring position with a bunt. Leadoff hitter Natalie Lieto blooped a single into no man’s land to right center, and second baseman Allison Oneacre came up with runners on the corners with just one out.
The freshman barreled a two RBI double that just missed clearing the wall in left center. Third baseman Brooke Klosowicz then followed with a single through shortstop Emma Villaescusa, but Oneacre was thrown out at home.
However, left fielder Michela Barbanente delivered with a two-out RBI single to left and Klosowicz scored. Following Finarelli’s walk, Gradishar blasted a double deep into left, plating Barbanente and extending Penn State’s lead, 5-0.
Nemeth provided another shutdown inning in the fifth and the Nittany Lions’ offense tacked onto their lead in the bottom half. Bohner and Walters started the scoring with back-to-back singles, but Lieto grounded out and pinch runner Kalli Karwowski was thrown out at home.
Lee committed her second error of the game at second base and allowed Walters to score off a stolen base by Lieto, who advanced to third off the miscue. Oneacre plated another run off a sacrifice fly to right and Penn State was suddenly up 7-0.
Freshman Brevyn Kellepouris came in for relief and pitched two excellent innings, allowing just one base runner off a hit by pitch, and securing the Nittany Lions’ ninth straight victory.
Up Next
Penn State hits the road again for the Tennessee Invitational, beginning with the opening game against N.C. Central at 12:30 p.m. Friday.
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Penn State looked to extend its even-game winning streak in its fourth game at the Space U C…
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