Spring Training Recap
Robert Morris University
The Nittany Lions began its Spring Training in a match up with former conference opponent Robert Morris. Bobby Suder took the mound for his first career start. The sophomore right-hander looked like a seasoned veteran and delivered a masterful performance. The pesky RMU hitters were able to scratch across a run in the first inning with three consecutive singles from the top of its order, but this would be the only time Robert Morris would score as Suder settled in and dominated for the remainder of the game. Suder sliced and diced through the Colonials lineup in route to a complete game performance with nine strikeouts, six hits, and only one walk.
Penn State’s offense struggled throughout the game and failed to put up any runs in the first six innings. Down 1-0 in the top of the seventh, Josh Castro did what he does best and came through with a clutch leadoff double. Pinch runner CJ Stiles entered the game, representing the game tying run. With no one out and Stiles on second, Derek Brady lined a single to provide the game-tying RBI. Following a pinch hit flyout by Ryan Hooven and a pinch hit fielder’s choice by Dave Reitman, Mike Whittendale stepped up to the plate with two outs and a runner on first. Whitt smoked a double to the wall to plate Reitman in what would be the game-winning run. Suder shut down the Colonials in the bottom of the seventh and that was all she wrote. The Nittany Lions survived an upset scare with a 2-1 victory.
Notable Performances:
Bobby Suder: W, 7 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 9 strikeouts, 6 hits, 1 walk
Mike Whittendale: 1-2, 1 double, 1 walk, game-winning RBI
Penn State’s offense struggled throughout the game and failed to put up any runs in the first six innings. Down 1-0 in the top of the seventh, Josh Castro did what he does best and came through with a clutch leadoff double. Pinch runner CJ Stiles entered the game, representing the game tying run. With no one out and Stiles on second, Derek Brady lined a single to provide the game-tying RBI. Following a pinch hit flyout by Ryan Hooven and a pinch hit fielder’s choice by Dave Reitman, Mike Whittendale stepped up to the plate with two outs and a runner on first. Whitt smoked a double to the wall to plate Reitman in what would be the game-winning run. Suder shut down the Colonials in the bottom of the seventh and that was all she wrote. The Nittany Lions survived an upset scare with a 2-1 victory.
Notable Performances:
Bobby Suder: W, 7 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 9 strikeouts, 6 hits, 1 walk
Mike Whittendale: 1-2, 1 double, 1 walk, game-winning RBI
South Dakota State University
Following an anemic offensive effort against Robert Morris, Penn State broke out the bats early against SDSU. Hits by each of the first six hitters in the lineup and eight hits overall (two by Will Bennett alone) lead to a seven-run first inning for the Nittany Lions. That was only the beginning of what would be an impressive display of the Nittany Lions true offensive potential.
On the other side of the ball, veteran right-hander CJ Stiles took the mound for Penn State. Early on, Stiles was sharp. He cruised through the first four innings without seeing any major threats from the South Dakota State offense. Stiles entered the fifth with a 10-0 lead but ran into some issues and gave up four unearned runs. He was unable to complete the fifth inning, and skipper Josh Jaskowiak was forced to go to the pen.
Jon Neseth entered the game with two outs and two on. After walking the first batter, Neseth induced a pop up to second baseman Jordan O’Donnell for the final out of the inning. Penn State scratched across a run in the bottom half of the fifth to put the score at 11-4. Following a scoreless sixth inning by Neseth, the Nittany Lions had the ten run mercy rule in their sights. After Will Bennett and Ryan Hooven reached base, a Ryan DeJesso two-RBI triple and Chris Frande RBI-single put the tally at 14-4. The Nittany Lions finished off the double header with a six-inning victory. CJ Stiles was the game’s winning pitcher, earning him his third victory on the young season.
Notable Performances:
Will Bennett: 3-5, 1 double, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored
Chris Frande: 3-5, 1 double, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 stolen base
On the other side of the ball, veteran right-hander CJ Stiles took the mound for Penn State. Early on, Stiles was sharp. He cruised through the first four innings without seeing any major threats from the South Dakota State offense. Stiles entered the fifth with a 10-0 lead but ran into some issues and gave up four unearned runs. He was unable to complete the fifth inning, and skipper Josh Jaskowiak was forced to go to the pen.
Jon Neseth entered the game with two outs and two on. After walking the first batter, Neseth induced a pop up to second baseman Jordan O’Donnell for the final out of the inning. Penn State scratched across a run in the bottom half of the fifth to put the score at 11-4. Following a scoreless sixth inning by Neseth, the Nittany Lions had the ten run mercy rule in their sights. After Will Bennett and Ryan Hooven reached base, a Ryan DeJesso two-RBI triple and Chris Frande RBI-single put the tally at 14-4. The Nittany Lions finished off the double header with a six-inning victory. CJ Stiles was the game’s winning pitcher, earning him his third victory on the young season.
Notable Performances:
Will Bennett: 3-5, 1 double, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored
Chris Frande: 3-5, 1 double, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 stolen base
Virginia Commonwealth University
In a poor man’s version of America’s game of the week, the #9 VCU Rams faced off against the #1 Penn State Nittany Lions. Both teams represented their respective conferences at the World Series last season, and will look to do the same this year. In what was set up to be a tough battle for both teams, Penn State sent Bryan Chesky to the mound.
In the top of the first, Penn State’s first two hitters reached base. Unfortunately, the offense ended there, as both runners were stranded. VCU came out swinging and knocked Chesky around for four runs. Chesky then settled in and only allowed one run over the next four frames. The Nittany Lions were held scoreless in the second, but woke up the bats in the third. Back-to-back doubles to start off the inning by Tommy Williams and Mike Whittendale started what would turn into a three run inning for Penn State. The Rams retaliated with a run of their own in the bottom of the third to put the score at 5-3 in favor of VCU.
Down 5-3 in the top of the fourth, Penn State kept the bats going. A big 2-RBI double by Ryan Hooven tied up the ball game. Hooven was quickly plated by a Will Ziefel RBI single, and the Nittany Lions were now up 6-5. Bryan Chesky went back out to the mound for Penn State in the bottom of the fifth. The Rams were unable to score. Penn State followed with two more runs in the fifth to make it an 8-5 ballgame.
Chesky started the bottom of the sixth inning, but was unable to retire any VCU hitters. Jon Neseth came in for the Nittany Lions to attempt to convert the six out save. Neseth pitched out of the jam to maintain Penn State’s 8-5 lead. Penn State scratched across two more runs in the top of the seventh to put the tally at 10-5. The runs were not needed, as Neseth put down the Rams in order in the bottom of the seventh to secure the Penn State victory.
Notable Performances:
Will Ziefel: 4-5, 1 run, 2 RBI, 1 stolen base
Ryan Hooven: 2-5, 1 double, 1 run scored, 3 RBI
Jon Neseth – Decision: Save, 2 innings pitched, 0 runs 2 strikeouts, 1 walk, 0 hits
In the top of the first, Penn State’s first two hitters reached base. Unfortunately, the offense ended there, as both runners were stranded. VCU came out swinging and knocked Chesky around for four runs. Chesky then settled in and only allowed one run over the next four frames. The Nittany Lions were held scoreless in the second, but woke up the bats in the third. Back-to-back doubles to start off the inning by Tommy Williams and Mike Whittendale started what would turn into a three run inning for Penn State. The Rams retaliated with a run of their own in the bottom of the third to put the score at 5-3 in favor of VCU.
Down 5-3 in the top of the fourth, Penn State kept the bats going. A big 2-RBI double by Ryan Hooven tied up the ball game. Hooven was quickly plated by a Will Ziefel RBI single, and the Nittany Lions were now up 6-5. Bryan Chesky went back out to the mound for Penn State in the bottom of the fifth. The Rams were unable to score. Penn State followed with two more runs in the fifth to make it an 8-5 ballgame.
Chesky started the bottom of the sixth inning, but was unable to retire any VCU hitters. Jon Neseth came in for the Nittany Lions to attempt to convert the six out save. Neseth pitched out of the jam to maintain Penn State’s 8-5 lead. Penn State scratched across two more runs in the top of the seventh to put the tally at 10-5. The runs were not needed, as Neseth put down the Rams in order in the bottom of the seventh to secure the Penn State victory.
Notable Performances:
Will Ziefel: 4-5, 1 run, 2 RBI, 1 stolen base
Ryan Hooven: 2-5, 1 double, 1 run scored, 3 RBI
Jon Neseth – Decision: Save, 2 innings pitched, 0 runs 2 strikeouts, 1 walk, 0 hits
William & Mary
Not since the 2014 NCBA Division II World Series had the Penn State Baseball Club D2 team played William and Mary. Penn State lost two games to William and Mary in that tournament and was unfortunately eliminated from the World Series as a result. William and Mary’s success that year allowed them to become a Division I club team.
In a big game, the Nittany Lions turned to Dave “Riggins” Reitman. On Reitman’s first career start, he threw well, but unfortunately was provided with no offense from the Penn State hitters. Reitman left the game after five innings down 4-0. He would go on to receive the no-decision for his efforts after surrendering four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk. Following Reitman’s five innings of work. The Nittany Lions turned to rookie pitcher Joe Krol. Krol baffled William and Mary hitters, and left the top of the sixth inning with two strikeouts and no baserunners.
The Lions entered the bottom of the sixth down 4-1. The clutch Josh Castro would lead off the inning for Penn State. After a Castro walk, Chris Frande laced a double to put two men on for Derek Brady. Brady was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Sophomore second baseman Jordan O’Donnell stepped up to the plate and laced a single down the line at third. Two runs would score to put the tally at 4-3. Mike Whittendale followed up O’Donnell’s masterful hitting with a single of his own. Will Bennett stepped up with the bases loaded, but grounded into a fielder’s choice with the runner being thrown out at home. Will Ziefel was now up with one out and the bases loaded with the Nittany Lions down one. Ziefel smacked a single to drive in the go-ahead runs, putting the Lions up 5-4. Ryan DeJesso followed up with his team-leading fourth triple on the season to plate two baserunners, making it a 7-4 ballgame. President Ryan Hooven stepped up next and joined in the fun by lacing an RBI single. The Lions would eventually be retired for the inning, but not after putting up seven runs to make it an 8-4 ballgame.
Joe Krol went back out for the seventh inning. Krol allowed one run in the seventh, but ultimately slammed the door on a William & Mary comeback, earning him his first career win for the Penn State Baseball Club. The Lions avenged their World Series losses from William & Mary in 2014 by completing a seven run comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 8-4.
Notable Performerances:
Joe Krol: Decision- Win, 2 innings pitched, 2 strikeouts, 2 hits, 1 earned runs
Will Ziefel: 1-3, 1 run, 2 RBI, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, go-ahead single
Ryan DeJesso: 1-2, 1 triple, 2 walks , 1 run scored, 3 RBI
Jordan O’Donnell: 1-2, 2 walks, 2 runs, 2 RBI
In a big game, the Nittany Lions turned to Dave “Riggins” Reitman. On Reitman’s first career start, he threw well, but unfortunately was provided with no offense from the Penn State hitters. Reitman left the game after five innings down 4-0. He would go on to receive the no-decision for his efforts after surrendering four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk. Following Reitman’s five innings of work. The Nittany Lions turned to rookie pitcher Joe Krol. Krol baffled William and Mary hitters, and left the top of the sixth inning with two strikeouts and no baserunners.
The Lions entered the bottom of the sixth down 4-1. The clutch Josh Castro would lead off the inning for Penn State. After a Castro walk, Chris Frande laced a double to put two men on for Derek Brady. Brady was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Sophomore second baseman Jordan O’Donnell stepped up to the plate and laced a single down the line at third. Two runs would score to put the tally at 4-3. Mike Whittendale followed up O’Donnell’s masterful hitting with a single of his own. Will Bennett stepped up with the bases loaded, but grounded into a fielder’s choice with the runner being thrown out at home. Will Ziefel was now up with one out and the bases loaded with the Nittany Lions down one. Ziefel smacked a single to drive in the go-ahead runs, putting the Lions up 5-4. Ryan DeJesso followed up with his team-leading fourth triple on the season to plate two baserunners, making it a 7-4 ballgame. President Ryan Hooven stepped up next and joined in the fun by lacing an RBI single. The Lions would eventually be retired for the inning, but not after putting up seven runs to make it an 8-4 ballgame.
Joe Krol went back out for the seventh inning. Krol allowed one run in the seventh, but ultimately slammed the door on a William & Mary comeback, earning him his first career win for the Penn State Baseball Club. The Lions avenged their World Series losses from William & Mary in 2014 by completing a seven run comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 8-4.
Notable Performerances:
Joe Krol: Decision- Win, 2 innings pitched, 2 strikeouts, 2 hits, 1 earned runs
Will Ziefel: 1-3, 1 run, 2 RBI, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, go-ahead single
Ryan DeJesso: 1-2, 1 triple, 2 walks , 1 run scored, 3 RBI
Jordan O’Donnell: 1-2, 2 walks, 2 runs, 2 RBI
Northeastern University
In the final game of Nittany Lions Spring Training trip, they faced off against the Division I Northeastern Huskies. Northeastern had beaten Penn State’s Division I club team by a score of 3-0 earlier in the week.
After getting his first career win (against William & Mary) less than 24 hours prior to the start of the game, Joe Krol took the bump for the Nittany Lions. Krol was electrifying, giving up two earned runs in four innings pitched on zero days’ rest. The lanky sophomore baffled Northeastern hitters as he struck an incredible nine batters. Krol pitched well enough to earn himself his second win in two days. Jon Neseth relieved Krol in the fifth inning and continued his impressive Spring Training. Neseth struck out four, walked one, and allowed no hits. The Florida weather must agree with Neseth, for he pitched 6-1/3 innings of no-hit baseball in Plant City.
Offensively, the Nittany Lions had very few problems with the Northeastern pitching. The Nittany Lions piled on 14 runs off of 10 hits, 12 walks, and 5 hit batters. Mike Whittendale was hit in two of his plate appearances, extending his own club record to 25 career hit-by-pitches. Penn State left this game victorious by a tally of 14-3. The PSBC D2 team ended its Spring Training trip with a 5-0 record and is now 11-0 on the season.
Notable Performances:
Joe Krol: Decision- Win, 4 innings pitched, 9 strikeouts, 3 runs, 2 earned runs, 6 hits, 0 walks
Jon Neseth: 3 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 0 hits
Ryan Hooven: 3-5, 1 double, 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 hit-by-pitch
Tim Sroka: 3-5, 1 double, 2 runs scored, 3 RBI
Mike Whittendale: 0-0, 3 walks, 2 hit-by-pitches, 1 run scored
After getting his first career win (against William & Mary) less than 24 hours prior to the start of the game, Joe Krol took the bump for the Nittany Lions. Krol was electrifying, giving up two earned runs in four innings pitched on zero days’ rest. The lanky sophomore baffled Northeastern hitters as he struck an incredible nine batters. Krol pitched well enough to earn himself his second win in two days. Jon Neseth relieved Krol in the fifth inning and continued his impressive Spring Training. Neseth struck out four, walked one, and allowed no hits. The Florida weather must agree with Neseth, for he pitched 6-1/3 innings of no-hit baseball in Plant City.
Offensively, the Nittany Lions had very few problems with the Northeastern pitching. The Nittany Lions piled on 14 runs off of 10 hits, 12 walks, and 5 hit batters. Mike Whittendale was hit in two of his plate appearances, extending his own club record to 25 career hit-by-pitches. Penn State left this game victorious by a tally of 14-3. The PSBC D2 team ended its Spring Training trip with a 5-0 record and is now 11-0 on the season.
Notable Performances:
Joe Krol: Decision- Win, 4 innings pitched, 9 strikeouts, 3 runs, 2 earned runs, 6 hits, 0 walks
Jon Neseth: 3 innings pitched, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 0 hits
Ryan Hooven: 3-5, 1 double, 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 hit-by-pitch
Tim Sroka: 3-5, 1 double, 2 runs scored, 3 RBI
Mike Whittendale: 0-0, 3 walks, 2 hit-by-pitches, 1 run scored
Bloomsburg Series Recap
Penn State D2 started off its 2015-2016 campaign with an 11-1 conference victory over the Bloomsburg Huskies. CJ Stiles took the hill for the Nittany Lions in the season opener and turned in a stellar performance. The pesky Bloomsburg hitters were able to scatter five singles off the veteran right-hander, but were limited to just one run in Stiles' three innings of work. Bryan Chesky entered the game in the 4th inning and left hitters dumbfounded as he struck out four Huskies in just two innings. The 6-foot-6 tall drink of water was credited the win for his effort.
Offensively, Penn State used a patient approach to run up the score early. After the first four batters in the lineup walked, designated hitter Josh Castro lined an RBI single to put the Nittany Lions up 2-0. The hitting did not stop there. Dave Reitman provided a 2-RBI single which was followed by a Derek Charlie RBI base hit to put Penn State up 6-0 after one inning of play. Blomsburg's starting pitcher was promptly removed from the game after just a third of an inning's work. The scoring continued in the second inning with a Ryan DeJesso solo home run over the center field wall to put the Lions up 7-0. Penn State eventually tallied 11 runs by the game's end, leading to a defeat of the Huskies by the 10-run rule.
The Sunday double header was unfortunately postponed due to poor weather and will have to be rescheduled for a later date. Penn State will take its 1-0 record back to Governor's Park on Saturday, October 17th when they host the Bucknell Bison.
Notable Performances:
Will Bennett: 2-2, 2 doubles, 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1 hit-by-pitch, and 2 stolen bases
Ryan Hooven: 1-2, 1 double, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases
Offensively, Penn State used a patient approach to run up the score early. After the first four batters in the lineup walked, designated hitter Josh Castro lined an RBI single to put the Nittany Lions up 2-0. The hitting did not stop there. Dave Reitman provided a 2-RBI single which was followed by a Derek Charlie RBI base hit to put Penn State up 6-0 after one inning of play. Blomsburg's starting pitcher was promptly removed from the game after just a third of an inning's work. The scoring continued in the second inning with a Ryan DeJesso solo home run over the center field wall to put the Lions up 7-0. Penn State eventually tallied 11 runs by the game's end, leading to a defeat of the Huskies by the 10-run rule.
The Sunday double header was unfortunately postponed due to poor weather and will have to be rescheduled for a later date. Penn State will take its 1-0 record back to Governor's Park on Saturday, October 17th when they host the Bucknell Bison.
Notable Performances:
Will Bennett: 2-2, 2 doubles, 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1 hit-by-pitch, and 2 stolen bases
Ryan Hooven: 1-2, 1 double, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases