Penn State baseball: embarrassing WVU loss raises questions for season’s stretch run

MORGANTOWN, W.Va — On Tuesday, Penn State traveled down country roads to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers. This marked the second meeting between the two teams. The first ended with a dramatic comeback win from the Nittany Lions. However, the return visit ended much differently for Rob Cooper’s squad, as Penn State baseball was embarrassed in a 14-2 loss. 

Momentum halted in Morgantown

The Nittany Lions came into Morgantown with a four-game winning streak, including a series sweep against Ohio State, their first sweep against a Big Ten opponent. The Lions also beat Youngstown State at the start of last week.

Penn State’s success would not continue in Morgantown, however. As pitcher Tommy Molsky held the Mountaineers scoreless into the third inning, the game seemed like it was going to be competitive. However, West Virginia mounted a four-run third inning and an eight-run fourth en route to a 14-2 blowout win.

Stretch run in doubt for Penn State baseball following embarrassing loss to West Virginia

Tuesday’s loss certainly raises more questions than answers for Penn State as we enter the season’s final month. One problem plaguing the Lions’ pitching staff has been walks. Against the Mountaineers, Penn State pitchers allowed six walks, many of which became eventual runs scored for the Mountaineers. 

Overall, pitchers have allowed nine walks in five different games. While most of these games were wins, the walks have often been strung together, leading to dangerous situations for pitchers.  

Unlike the first game against West Virginia, Penn State’s offense couldn’t string together many hits on Tuesday. While Penn State got baserunners in Tuesday’s game, the Nittany Lions hitters consistently left runners stranded. 

Penn State baseball will have a chance to correct these issues this weekend when the Lions return to Happy Valley to host Iowa. First pitch of game one is scheduled for Friday at 5 pm. 

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