Penn State Baseball Opens Home Schedule

by Adam Bittner on Mar 25, 2011 1:32 PM EDT in Baseball

Basketball and wrestling season might be over in Happy Valley, but here at BSD, we're not quite ready to let our coverage sink into full offseason mode just yet. The spring sports are just getting into full swing, including baseball, which opens its home slate against Le Moyne today at 3:35 P.M. inside beautiful Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

The Nittany Lions are off to a nice 12-6 start this season. Unfortunately, since we've been so wrapped up with the winter sports for the last few months, that's pretty much all we can tell you. Lucky for us, Emily Kaplan of the Daily Collegian was gracious enough to do a quick Q and A with us to bring us up to speed on all the baseball action thus far. For further coverage, check out her preview of this three game set against Le Moyne and be sure to check out the Collegian's baseball blog, Inside The Dugout.

BSD: So, how is Penn State doing so far? Any big wins? Tough losses?

EK: The team, which played its first 18 games of the season on the road, is off to a great start. Penn State took two of three from No. 26 Wichita State last weekend, and the guys said that was a huge confidence boost heading into their home slate and the Big Ten season.

BSD: How does the pitching staff look?

EK: The pitching staff looks solid so far, especially sophomore Steven Hill who has really emerged as the team's ace. The pitching staff currently leads the Big Ten with a .240 batting-average-against and ranks second with a 3.06 ERA. Dave Walking has really anchored the bullpen, posting five wins -- which is tied for most in the country. Walking also ranks second in the Big Ten with 28 strikeouts and is third with a 1.71 ERA.

BSD: Ben Heath was an important player last season. How is the team dealing with his absence?

EK: Heath obviously was a big loss for the team, but offensively the Lions are doing OK. Overall, they rank third in the Big Ten with 100 runs scored, while they rank among the top-two with 38 doubles, eight triples, and 11 home runs. Junior Sean Deegan is picking up a bulk of the load, he currently leads the conference with a .653 slugging percentage while Mario Eramo and Jordan Steranka have hot bats, as well.

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Comments

Dave Walking

That is a terrible name for a baseball pitcher

by state08 on Mar 25, 2011 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

No baseball fans?

That’s okay. I’m cool with being BSD’s one-girl Baseball Fan Club.

I was one of those people who was genuinely nervous about losing Heath this year, it’s encouraging to see them bolster some confidence in a future without Ben and start off so well. Here’s to hoping they sweep Le Moyne.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for this university." "Oh, I haven't done enough." - Joe Paterno.

by dwf5095 on Mar 25, 2011 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

College Baseball

I’m trying to follow college baseball more closely. I try to catch as much of the CWS as I can every year. I just wish Big Ten Network would show more baseball games… what else are they going to show between March and August?

Aaron
BT Powerhouse contributor
Let's go Mets, Giants, Knicks, Rangers, PSU

by apy5000 on Mar 26, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I feel like a lot of baseball fans focus entirely on pro ball,

which is natural, I guess, but probably also responsible for the lack of collegiate coverage. Networks aren’t going to bother too much with sports that lack a decent fanbase. I wish the Big 10 Network would throw us a bone every once in a while too, though.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for this university." "Oh, I haven't done enough." - Joe Paterno.

by dwf5095 on Mar 26, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions

there were a couple PSU games on last year

I think they will be on more this year.

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.
Benjamin Franklin

by BMAN13 on Mar 26, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm going to follow PSU more closely this year

A friend of mine’s son played at PSU 98-2002 but I haven’t kept up much since. This will be the first year since 1967 that I won’t be playing or coaching baseball so I’ll have more time. Chambersburg Maroons ran out of financial support and costs have skyrocketed for the adult baseball teams in our area. first year since 1895 that the Chambersburg Maroons won’t be playing, bummer

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.
Benjamin Franklin

by BMAN13 on Mar 26, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

That sucks!

Baseball’s a great game to be a part of. All of my cousins played at some point, and some are playing for scholarships now. I hope that the Chambersburg Maroons win the lottery and absolutely dominate next year.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for this university." "Oh, I haven't done enough." - Joe Paterno.

by dwf5095 on Mar 26, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions