Penn State softball walks off Iowa in Big Ten opener

State College — After a fantastic start to the season in non-conference play, the Nittany Lions now move into their Big Ten schedule. Penn State softball opened Big Ten play at home versus Iowa on Friday. It was a tight game, but much like their last game, the Lions walked it off in extra innings for a win.

Lions win in walk-off fashion (again)

Pitcher Bailey Parshall started the game with a walk but struck out the next batter to get out of the inning. On the Penn State side of the first, a single by Emily Maddock was set to begin an offensive flurry for the Nittany Lions but was followed by three straight outs.

The Iowa bats were quiet in the second as Parshall worked a 1-2-3 inning. Penn State made things interesting in their half of the second when Liana Jones reached second on an error, but the Lions did not capitalize. Iowa was left scoreless again in the third inning by Parshall. Penn State was also held scoreless.

Iowa got on the board in the fourth inning from a fielder’s choice double play that allowed the runner from third to score. Penn State showed promise in the bottom of the fifth with two runners on, but a line drive to center field was caught and ended the inning.

Penn State was able to tie the game 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning when a Lexie Black triple led to a sacrifice fly by Michelle Leone.

The Lions almost walked it off in the seventh inning after a ground ball hit by Melody Coombs was bobbled by the Iowa shortstop. Lilia Crouthamel was running to home from second but was thrown out just in time to send the game into extra innings.

The Hawkeyes took the lead in the top of the eighth inning after a sacrifice fly. However, the Nittany Lions answered right away in the bottom of the eighth inning with a double by Michelle Leone that scored Lydia Coleman, which tied the game 2-2.  

Iowa was left scoreless in the top of the ninth, which gave Penn State a chance to win. And they delivered. On a 1-0 pitch, Liana Jones belted a home run that hit the scoreboard to win the game 3-2. It marked the second straight game that went to extra innings and featured a walk-off hit for Penn State softball.

Ace pitcher Bailey Parshall picked up her twelfth win of the season. She allowed three hits, one earned run, and struck out five batters.

Coach Crowell: “If we keep fighting that way, we’re gonna win a lot of games”

In the post-game press conference, Head Coach Clarisa Crowell talked about how the team fights. She said that the dugout never acts like they are down and are “tough and gritty” day in and day out.

On Parshall hitting the 100 strikeout landmark this season, Coach Crowell said she and her team do not “focus on results” but instead “focus on the process.”

On the fact that her team got its second straight win in extra innings in walk-off fashion, Coach Crowell stated that experience is certainly a part of sustaining that success and continued on the theme that the team “just continues to fight.”

Jones: “overwhelmed” by the walk-off win

When asked how she felt about the walk-off win and her home run, Liana Jones said she was “overwhelmed.” She also stated that her team and coach are her “biggest fans of all time,” which is very fitting given the culture that Coach Crowell professed the team has. 

LIANA JONES SAYS GOODNIGHT HAWKEYES!!!!

Nittany Lions win it with a walk off homer in the bottom of the ninth!

?3-⚫️?2 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/J2CquzUgiC

— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) March 24, 2023

Parshall on the umpire’s strike zone: “have to adapt”

When asked about her thoughts on the umpire’s strike zone in the game, Parshall hesitantly stated that it is about adapting to “throw better pitches” and “getting better play calls behind the plate.” She also maintained that it teaches the team to “keep composure.”

What’s on deck for Penn State softball?

Penn State plays next Sunday in a doubleheader to finish the series against Iowa. The first pitch is scheduled for 11 am for Game 1, while Game 2 is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

Penn State wins a thriller!

The Nittany Lions improve to 19-4 with a great win vs Iowa.

Catch them back at Beard Field for a Sunday doubleheader! #WeAre pic.twitter.com/k5GzA5RgTV

— Penn State Softball (@PennStateSB) March 24, 2023

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