Penn State softball (20-11, 1-5 Big Ten) fell to the Wisconsin Badgers (16-11, 2-4 Big Ten) with a final score of 7-4.

Penn State had the lead heading into the final inning, but the defense collapsed as the Badgers drove in four more runs to win the series in State College.

How It Happened

Sophomore Abigail Britton started the morning on the mound for the Nittany Lions. After forcing a groundout against the first batter of the game, Britton struck out the next two. The bottom of the first for the Penn State offense started off with a walk. Michela Barbanente attempted to steal second but was caught out via a nice, timely throw from the Wisconsin catcher. Wisconsin ended up walking the next batter, Breanna Hanik, who then successfully stole second base. The Nittany Lions were not able to capitalize with the runners on base, and the inning ended 0-0.

In the top of the second, the Badgers pounced with a leadoff single. The baserunner then attempted to steal second, but managed to steal third off a throwing error from catcher to shortstop. One more single was able to drive in the runner, making the score 1-0 Wisconsin heading into the bottom of the second. Jordan George was able to get on base for the Nittany Lions after a walk. A pop-out in the infield came next, and then a double-play to end the inning.

In the third inning, Britton struck out the first batter after a seven-pitch battle between the hitter and pitcher. The Penn State defense then got Wisconsin to pop out, and a nicely worked groundout followed. After making sure the close call went in their favor, the many Penn State fans in attendance jumped out of their seats in excitement. On the sunny day with highs of 74, the State College community came together in great numbers to support the softball team.

With two outs in the inning, Barbanente and Hanik got on base with a walk and a single, but the offense was unable to bring the runners home. The score stayed at 1-0 in favor of Wisconsin after the third inning at Beard Field.

The badgers opened up the fourth with a double to left field. Britton and the defense showed resilience in the face of pressure. A fly-out, a well-worked strikeout, and another fly-out saw Penn State get out of the dangerous situation unscathed. Allison Oneacre got things started on offense with a walk. George reached on a fielder’s choice to third base, with Onceacre being called out at second.

A single from Natalie Lieto saw Penn State with two runners in scoring position. The Wisconsin defense was able to hunker down once again, forcing the Nittany Lions into a double play. The score stayed at 1-0 in favor of the Badgers.

The Wisconsin offense started to give Penn State trouble in the fifth inning. A home run that barely escaped Hanik’s glove in left field gave the Badgers a 2-0 advantage. A throwing error from Britton following a bunt allowed one more Badger on base. This would be Britton’s last throw, as Bridget Nemeth came in to relieve her.

Nemeth only allowed one more runner on base before she got the Nittany Lions out of the inning with no more harm done. The Badgers once again left two runners on base, a common theme across the three-game series.

Penn State got walked twice to have a man on first and second with zero out. Barbanente placed a perfect bunt, which the Wisconsin pitcher struggled to get to. The pitcher flung out her arm in her last attempt to tag Barbanente out, losing the ball in the process. The baserunners took advantage and scored on the play. Wisconsin challenged the play on the terms of batter interference, but was unsuccessful.

Brook Klosowicz hit a high fly ball to right field. The Wisconsin outfielder’s glove came just short and was unable to make a play as the junior cleared the bases with a triple to take the lead. Cara Bonner was able to drive in more runs after a fielding error by the Badgers. The fifth inning ended with a score of 4-2 in favor of Penn State.

The Badgers chipped away at the lead at the start of the sixth. A line drive placed right in between shortstop and second base drove in a run for the Badgers to make it 4-3. A Wisconsin baserunner attempted to steal second and, at first, seemed like she succeeded. Penn State head coach Clarissa Crowell challenged the call, and it was overturned. The crowd erupted as the inning ended, and the team crowded around Crowell in celebration of her bold call. However, the Nittany Lions were unable to give the defense any run support in the sixth inning.

The top of the seventh started with a walk for Wisconsin, putting pressure on Nemeth and the Penn State defense. The next batter sent the ball straight back at Nemeth, who could not come down with it as runners advanced to first and second. An unsuccessful challenge by Penn State for a potential batter interference continued to mount pressure on them.

The breakthrough came shortly after, as Wisconsin drove in a run with a line drive to center field. The score was tied 4-4 as the Badgers had zero outs and a man on third. Brevyn Kellepouris was brought in to deal with the tough situation. Wisconsin took the lead immediately with a bunt, as the throw home did not reach in time. More runs came piling in with a crushed ball to right field to drive in two more.

Penn State had the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but were unable to score a run. The final score ended 7-4 with the Badgers winning two games out of the three-game series.

Takeaways

• Penn State was unable to see the game through the final two innings. Up two runs with six outs remaining, Penn State could not come away with the win.
• Momentum continues to play a major role in the Penn State offense, as all its runs came in the bottom of the fourth.
• Brianna Hanik finished 1-for-2 with 2 walks, reaching base three times, which was crucial for generating offense.
• Abigail Britton threw 4.1 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, and striking out 5 with no walks

What’s Next?

Penn State softball travels next to face Rutgers for a weekend series in Piscataway. First pitch of the series is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at the Rutgers Softball Complex.