Back and looking for redemption, Penn State took on Nebraska one last time to close out their series against the current conference leader.
With a series sweep, the blue and white fell in a comeback game against Nebraska, trailing by just two runs in the bottom of the ninth.
Michael Anderson has been a consistent hitter for the Nittany Lions all year, and started them off with a two-run homer in the first inning. The Cornhuskers remained off the board, as the blue and white held a strong defensive position.
Nebraska’s Will Jesske scored the team’s first run in the bottom of the second inning before Drew Grego, a key player for the Cornhuskers this year and in this series, launched a two-run home run to centerfield and Nebraska scored two more runs, taking the lead 5-2.
Anderson, once again for Penn State, launched a homer into center field in the top of the third frame, before the Cornhusker’s Rhett Stokes blasted a homerun down the left field line to bring in another pair. Nebraska took a huge lead at 8-3.
The blue and white struggled to come back in the fourth inning, but held up defensively with pitcher Mason Butash striking out first baseman Case Sanderson. Nittany Lion shortstop Preston Yaucher took out Cornhusker Dylan Carey’s stolen base attempt with a throw to catcher Avery Smith.
The score remained through the fifth and sixth innings, with neither team letting up any runs.
After another empty top of the inning for Nebraska, relief pitcher Kyle Mannell came in for Cooper Katskee ahead of a fresh lineup start for the Nittany Lions. The team was unable to score any runs, still trailing by five to go into the final inning.
Nebraska saw a final pitching switch to maintain their lead with Chase Olson coming onto the mound, as third baseman Bryce Molinaro was eager to get it going for Penn State. Olson gave up two walks for the Nittany Lions before being switched out by Pryce Bender. With another walk, Molinaro was able to come home and put Penn State up 8-4.
Trying to close the gap, Penn State had its best run of the game in the bottom of the ninth with Jesse Jaconski starting them out with a ground double play where Barnett was able to score another run, quickly followed by Jack Porter scoring on a wild pitch.
Coming up just short, Penn State fell to Nebraska as the Cornhuskers remain undefeated at home, taking the win 8-6 in the final game of the series.
Up Next
Penn State returns home to face FDU in a one-game, Dollar Dog Night home stand. The clash is set for Tuesday, with first pitch at 5:30 p.m.
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Penn State returned to Hawks Field at Haymarket Park for the final game in their doubleheade…
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