Penn State softball (8-2) mercy ruled Pitt (5-5) by a score of 11-2 in the last game of the Houston Invitational, cementing a 4-1 record in the series.

The Nittany Lions’ offense exploded in the second inning and continued a strong performance to pick up another win. Pitching held Pitt to only five total hits.

How It Happened

Pitt got started right away at the top of the first inning, with Tieley Vaughn doubling to center field. Calle Henne singled to bring Vaughn to third, and Gracie Helton hit an RBI single. KK Esparza hit a sacrifice fly to end the inning, putting Pitt up 2-0.

The Nittany Lions immediately came back in the bottom of the first. Allison Oneacre walked and advanced to second, and Brooke Klosowicz walked to set up a first and second opportunity for Macy Chamberlin. She hit a two-RBI double to right-center field, and Penn State ended the first inning tied.

Starter McKenna Young had a quick top of the second inning, sending the next three Pitt batters down in order. Then, Penn State had an explosive bottom of the second inning. Kaylie Walters started things off with a single and scored on a two-run home run from Natalie Lieto. Immediately after, Pitt starter Gwen Sparks was replaced by Amelia Long, and Oneacre hit a solo home run. Kristin Finarelli was hit by a pitch and then scored on Klosowicz’s two-run home run. Following two walks, Breanna Hanik hit an RBI double. To end the inning, Lieto reached on a fielding error, prompting two runs to score, putting the Nittany Lions up 10-2.

Pitt had another quiet inning in the third, but had two runners reach base. In the bottom of the third, Penn State scored another run off a bases-loaded walk from Cara Bohner.

Despite hitting two singles, Pitt was denied in the fourth. However, Pitt was finally able to quiet the Nittany Lions, who didn’t score a run in the fourth.

With the college softball mercy rule taking effect when a team is up by eight runs, Penn State came away with the win after Pitt failed to score in the top of the fifth inning. The Nittany Lions won by a score of 11-2.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s offense exploded for yet another double-digit performance.
• Pitching was slightly shaky in the beginning, but the relievers were able to keep Pitt to five total hits.
• The Nittany Lions have been excellent so far this season at taking advantage of opportunities, and they continued the trend during this game.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will travel to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the SpaceU Classic from Friday, February 20, to Sunday, February 22. All five games can be streamed on ESPN+.