Penn State softball (27-17, 9-6 Big Ten) had a strong showing this weekend against Rutgers (24-26, 2-15 Big Ten) with two wins in its three-game series.

It was another strong showing for the Nittany Lions, who did not let the Scarlett Knights score more than three runs in any game over the weekend. They also saw plenty of bats come to life, which is a good sign heading into the home stretch of the season.

Game One

The Friday night game showed how resilient the Nittany Lions were, as a four-run sixth inning propelled them to a 4-3 win.

Bailey Parshall (17-6) got the start in the circle, and despite giving up a three-run home run in the first inning, she settled down and resumed her normal brilliance. She would pitch a complete game, striking out 12 and only giving up six hits.

Offensively, the sixth inning was the game changer for the offense. Lilia Crouthamel was walked with the bases loaded to drive the first run in, Cassie Lindmark was hit by a pitch to drive in the second run in, and then Ally Kurland hit a two-run single to score the remaining two runs. Lauren Marcotte also had a big day at the plate with a team-leading three hits.

Game Two

Saturday’s game was a perfect display of what the team can do if all pieces are working together. The Nittany Lions run-ruled the Scarlett Knights, winning 8-0 in just five innings.

Crouthamel had herself a day, folks. First, she hit a two-run triple to score the first runs of the game. Later, after Liana Jones walked to score a run and kept the bases loaded, Crouthamel hit a grand slam off the top of the foul pole. Her six-RBI performance was huge in winning the game, though Maggie Finnegan also had an RBI single to help contribute.

Kylee Lingenfelter (5-10) was the starter, and she had her best game of the season. She pitched all five innings, only giving up two hits and striking out six batters.

Game Three

Unfortunately, the final game of the series didn’t end in Penn State’s favor. Rutgers was able to avoid the sweep by winning 3-1.

Lingenfelter got the start yet again for the Nittany Lions. This time, she only pitched two innings. She gave up three runs on three hits and only struck out one. Parshall entered the circle in relief, pitching four innings while striking out five and giving up two hits.

The offense slowed down a bit as well in this game. Only Michelle Leone, Kaitlyn Morrison, Lindmark, and Marcotte were able to make contact, and it was Marcotte that had the lone RBI of the game. All four hits were singles.

Takeaways

• Bailey Parshall has cemented herself as one of, if not the, greatest pitchers in school history. She currently ranks fourth in the Big Ten in ERA (1.69), second in innings pitched (161.2), fourth in wins (17), and fifth in strikeouts (170). It has been an impressive season to watch because of how dominant she has been, and she’ll presumably get a lot of consideration for post-season accolades.
• One of the things head coach Clarisa Crowell emphasized midway through the season was the need for other players, besides the squad’s stars, to step up. That happened this weekend. Lilia Crouthamel is not known for her offensive power, and yet she kickstarted the comeback Friday night and drove in six runs on Saturday night. That is a clear sign that players are buying into Crowell’s message, and it has gotten results.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions will (for the third time) try to travel to Columbus to play Ohio State for a Tuesday doubleheader. The previous two series were postponed due to inclement weather. The first game is set to begin at 2 p.m.