Bullpen Shines in Penn State Baseball’s 2nd Win Over Milwaukee
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In a back-and-forth affair, Penn State captured its second win against Milwaukee in its home-opening series, taking down the Panthers 4-3.
Tommy Molsky got the start for Penn State, letting in three runs in as many innings. Jordan Morales picked up the win, with Steven Miller notching the save.
Nick Gilhaus recorded the loss for Milwaukee, allowing three runs on four hits in four innings of work.
The game began as a pitcher’s duel, as Molsky and Gilhaus traded 1-2-3 innings in the first frame.
Kyle Hannon broke open the scoreless affair in the bottom of the second inning after lacing an RBI triple to the warning track in left-center field.
Cole Bartels drove in the Nittany Lions’ second run of the day on a third-inning grounder right up the middle. Penn State loaded the bases later on in the frame, but failed to create any further damage.
The Nittany Lions ran into a heap of trouble in the fourth inning, starting with a miscommunication in the outfield that allowed Aaron Chapman to reach on error. Molsky’s day came to an end a few batters later on a disastrous wild pitch and consequent errant throw from Matt Wood at the plate, allowing two Panthers to score and evaporate Penn State’s lead.
Later on in the fourth, the Panthers notched their first hit of the game on an RBI single by Zach Nogalski, giving Milwaukee a 3-2 edge.
The Nittany Lions were quick to respond to Milwaukee’s big inning by scoring two runs of their own. Jay Harry displayed a strong piece of two-strike hitting to drive in the tying run, followed by a sac fly by Johnny Piacentino to regain the lead.
Piacentino’s RBI proved to be the deciding factor, as neither team was able to generate any offense in the remaining five innings. Penn State recorded just one hit off of reliever Eliot Turnquist, who displayed great command out of the bullpen.
Penn State’s bullpen kept the Panthers quiet after a loud fourth inning, allowing three total hits and one walk. Morales went a clean two innings in relief, setting the stage for Miller to close the door.
Miller was dominant on the bump for the Nittany Lions, striking out six batters in the final three innings. Most importantly, he only allowed three runners on base.
While the Nittany Lions had plenty of miscues defensively and at the plate, the pitching staff ultimately carried the load and silenced the Panthers’ bats for a majority of the game.
“Our pitchers threw the lights out,” Penn State coach Rob Cooper said. “I’m proud of our guys.”
Grant Sheets is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email gcs5231@psu.edu.
