Rob Cooper’s Nittany Lions (14-32, 2-15 Big Ten) saw their losing streak extended to six games over the weekend at Medlar Field, as Minnesota picked up the series sweep — 6-5, 17-1, 12-4.

How It Happened

Game One

Friday’s contest was every bit a pitcher’s duel through the first eight innings, as the Nittany Lions and Golden Gophers were tied up 2-2. Starter Sal Biasi gave Penn State five strong innings, surrendering one unearned run and only three hits in the outing. Minnesota exploded for four runs in the top of the ninth, which proved just enough to outlast a three-run Nittany Lion rally. Logan Goodnight, Alex Malinsky, and Mason Nadeau crossed the plate for Penn State, but Minnesota hung on for a 6-5 win.

Game Two

The Golden Gophers put on an offensive clinic Saturday, tagging Penn State for 22 hits in a dominant 17-1 win. It was already 11-0 through four innings, at which point starter Justin Hagenman (1-9) was long gone. In total, five Penn State pitchers took the mound, but State College native Tucker Triebold logged the best performance of the bunch. The freshman didn’t give up a run in two innings to close out the ballgame. Nadeau’s solo homer in the bottom of the sixth was Penn State’s lone run.

Game Three

Sophomore Willie Burger enjoyed a tremendous afternoon at the plate, going 4 for 5 with two RBIs from the sixth spot in the lineup. Nadeau and Nick Riotto also tallied a pair of hits each in an eventual 12-4 loss to the Golden Gophers. It was an uncharacteristically rough start for redshirt freshman pitcher Eric Mock, who gave up nine hits and nine runs (two unearned) through two and a third innings of work. The Nittany Lions allowed three errors, but nearly matched Minnesota’s production in the hitting department — 14-11.

Player Of The Series

Mason Nadeau | Freshman | Center fielder

The Lansdale, Pa., native finished the weekend with six hits, three runs, and an RBI.

What’s Next?

Penn State will travel to Morgantown to face West Virginia on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. before squaring off with the Mountaineers the following night at PNC Park at 7:00 p.m.