After opening its second Big Ten series of the season with a loss to Purdue, Penn State looked to rebound and add its second win to the conference record.
In what was a tightly contested game, the blue and white were only able to get one run across the plate, leading to a 2-1 Boilermakers win.
The Nittany Lions were sent down in order to open the game, turning the ball over to the righty Ben Hudson. The Medford, New Jersey, native has struggled in his last two games, giving up a total of 18 runs. However, Hudson was able to get out of the first inning unscathed, striking out the last batter.
Following a duel between both pitchers in the first two innings, the blue and white earned the first run of the game off a wild pitch. Boilermakers starting pitcher Zach Erdman threw a pitch in the dirt that was too fast for catcher Ross Highfill to block.
Hudson quickly found himself in trouble with runners at the corners and no outs in the bottom half of the third inning. However, a flyout and a quick double play eliminated any threat to the scoreboard.
Both defenses continued to shine through five innings. The two sides totaled four double plays up to that point, shutting down several scoring chances.
That was until Purdue used the bottom of the fifth to get a run on the board. Dylan Drake doubled in a run after he powered the ball to the center field wall. Hudson managed to escape the inning without allowing any additional damage.
Hudson’s outing came to an end in the sixth. The sophomore finished the day with three strikeouts and allowed one run.
Kyle Emmons took over and gave up a home run to his first batter. Ali Banks cleared the wall in left-center field, giving the Boilermakers a 2-1 lead. The Pasadena, Maryland, native responded to the solo shot with a pair of strikeouts to end the sixth.
Both defenses took the spotlight once again in the game through the seventh and eighth innings, leaving Penn State down to its last three outs.
The Nittany Lions were sent down in order to close out the game. A strong display of defense wasn’t matched with much offense for Penn State.
Up Next
Both teams will return to Alexander Field for the series finale tomorrow at 1 p.m.
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