Despite outhitting Michigan State 12-10, Penn State couldn’t convert enough of those hits into runs, falling 10-5 at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Nittany Lions had their opportunities but stranded 11 runners on base and struggled to come through in key situations, a recurring theme that ultimately cost them the game.
“We kind of walked too many guys and walked the bottom of their order a little bit too much,” coach Mike Gambino said. “Not taking anything away from the bottom of their order, but you walk them too much, and then Ryan McKay turned into Pete Rose this weekend.”
The game started competitively, with Penn State scoring in the second inning to answer an early Michigan State lead. Second baseman Joe Jaconski doubled to right-center and later scored on a single by catcher Nate Voss, giving the Nittany Lions some early momentum.
However, that spark quickly faded as Penn State failed to score again until the seventh inning, by which point Michigan State had built a sizable lead.
One of the biggest issues for Penn State was capitalizing with runners in scoring position. In the second inning, they had runners on second and third with one out but only managed to bring one home.
A similar situation played out in the fifth when a leadoff single went to waste as the next three batters failed to advance the runner.
“We had glimpses of quality at-bats, but overall, it was inconsistently good — which means not very good,” Gambino said. “We need to get back to what we were doing well instead of trying to do more.”
Meanwhile, Michigan State made the most of its chances, breaking the game open with a four-run fifth inning.
Walks and a pair of well-placed singles fueled the rally, as the Spartans demonstrated their ability to execute in key moments. Later, they tacked on three insurance runs in the ninth, further distancing themselves from Penn State.
A bright spot for the blue and white was center fielder Paxton Kling, who put together a strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.
Jaconski also had an impressive game, collecting two hits, including a pair of doubles, while driving in a run. Despite these individual efforts, the team as a whole couldn’t string together enough hits in crucial moments.
On the pitching side, Penn State’s struggles with command were evident, as the staff issued 10 walks throughout the game. Free passes allowed Michigan State to extend innings and create scoring opportunities without making hard contact.
Starter Logan Olson lasted only 1.2 innings, giving up two runs while walking three. Relievers Matt Morash and Harrison Lollin had similar struggles, allowing five combined runs while issuing multiple walks.
While the loss stings, Penn State has a chance to bounce back with a pair of nonconference games against Pitt and Bucknell before heading on the road to Michigan next weekend.
The biggest area for improvement will be situational hitting — finding ways to bring runners home when given the opportunity.
With solid contact hitters like Kling and Jaconski producing, the Nittany Lions have the pieces to be an efficient offensive team, but execution will be the key.
As the blue and white move forward, converting baserunners into runs will be a major point of emphasis. If Penn State can adjust and execute in key situations, it’ll have a much better chance of turning close games into victories.
“You’re not going to win 14 straight weekends,” Gambino said. “Got to get back to what we do.”
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