Bailey Parshall On The Verge of History As Penn State Hosts Bucknell
Penn State softball gets set to wrap up a six-game homestand on Tuesday as it welcomes in-state Bucknell to Beard Field.
While on the surface a win would make it four straight for the blue and white, all eyes will be on pitcher Bailey Parshall.
The fifth-year senior has the chance to add onto what has been an already historic career as she can put her name at the top of some program record books.
Headed into Tuesday, Parshall is just one strikeout away from tying the program record held by Missy Beseres who graduated in 2006.
Parshall would break the record with two strikeouts, but that’s not the only record that could be broken.
If Parshall were to pitch a complete game shutout, she would also set the program record for shutouts as she is currently tied with Jackie Hill for the program lead with 20.
Parshall gave herself the chance to break those records in this upcoming game after coming in relief on Sunday during the final game of the Nittany Lions’ last series against Rutgers.
The Nittany Lions swept the Scarlet Knights in the three-game series as they only allowed runs in that final game.
None were allowed by Parshall however, who slammed the door shut on the Scarlet Knights in her 3.2 innings pitched as she only allowed two hits while striking out seven.
In order to win games though, you have to score runs and that’s what the Nittany Lions did with a big bases clearing blast coming from Maggie Gordon as she hit a grand slam in the third inning.
The 23-13 Nittany Lions boast some big time bats in their lineup with both Kaitlyn Morrison and Lexie Black hitting five home runs while keeping their batting average over .300.
While the blue and white have been thriving, the story hasn’t been the same for the Bison who are currently on a five-game losing streak.
A bulk of that stretch came last weekend as Boston University came to Lewisburg and swept the Bison in a three-game series.
Catcher Zoie Smith has been a hitter to watch for Bucknell this season as she comes in leading the team with a .362 average with 17 RBI while also providing speed on the basepaths stealing seven bases.
Smith is the lone Bison who has started over 30 games, hitting over .270 on the season.
In the circle, pitcher Madison Roukey has made the most starts for the Bison to this point leading the team in several categories including a 2.48 ERA and four wins.
With a potentially record-setting day on tap for the Nittany Lions, Beard Field should be packed for what is also the final Taco Tuesday of the season.
The Nittany Lions will look to ride that momentum into College Park to continue conference play against the Maryland Terrapins following Tuesday’s game.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
