Penn State Baseball Splits Two-Game West Virginia Series
Penn State baseball (15-33) upset West Virginia 6-5 Tuesday in Morgantown before dropping a 4-2 contest the following night at PNC Park.
How It Happened
Game One
Despite being outhit by the Mountaineers 11-6, head coach Rob Cooper’s Nittany Lions battled to an impressive win at Monongalia County Ballpark. Freshman third baseman and Wheeling, W. Va., native Logan Goodnight’s three-run homer in the top of the second gave Penn State a 3-1 lead.
Classmate Mason Nadeau hit into a fielder’s choice in the top of the ninth, scoring Christian Helsel in what would be the eventual game winner. Starting pitcher Schuyler Bates went five innings for Penn State, giving up seven hits and four runs in the non-decision. Dakota Forsyth (4-2) picked up the win thanks to two and a third strong innings of relief.
Game Two
West Virginia (28-20) played the role of the away team in Pittsburgh and scored a run in four straight innings (second through fifth) to secure the victory. Freshman starter Myles Gayman took the loss for the Nittany Lions in his four innings of work. Nick Distasio turned in a tremendous relief effort, allowing just one hit and no runs in three and two thirds innings.
The Penn State bats were hot in the Steel City, as three Nittany Lions — Nadeau, Helsel, and Willie Burger — recorded two hits, but it wasn’t enough to catch West Virginia. Even though they tallied three less hits, the Mountaineers hung on for the win behind a strong defensive showing.
Player Of The Series
Mason Nadeau | Freshman | Center fielder
The Lansdale, Pa., native has been far and away Penn State’s most consistent hitter from the lead-off spot. He finished the series with three hits, a run, and an RBI.
What’s Next?
The Nittany Lions will travel to Bloomington this weekend for a three-game series against Indiana.
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