Penn State softball drops series against Michigan with run-rule

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lions have lost their first Big Ten series at home this season after a rough finish in the second of a three-game series against Michigan.

Game 1 of the series was also a loss for Penn State with a 2-0 final tally. However, the Michigan Wolverines came in swinging for the fences in game two as Penn State surrendered 14 runs in a 14-3 game ending in a mercy.

This loss for Penn State has put them at a 33-14 record overall and dropping to 11-8 in Big Ten play this season.

Penn State got its first and only lead of the game in the first inning with a two-run home run from Gaby Garcia, her 10th on the season. Garcia, batting in the cleanup spot, had a 3-3 day at the plate with two singles in her next two at-bats.

The other run of the game for Penn State also came via the long ball as Liana Jones connected for a solo shot in the fifth inning, her seventh of the season.

“I thought we had some good at-bats,” coach Clarisa Crowell said, despite Penn State scoring just three runs on five hits.

After Bridget Nemeth took a loss in her start yesterday, Mady Volpe was in the circle to start her 18th game, subsequently taking the loss after giving up seven runs on six hits in 3.1 innings.

Penn State used all four of their pitchers throughout the six innings. Volpe, Nemeth and Paige Maynard all gave up runs.

Despite Nemeth pitching the complete game yesterday, she pitched two innings while giving up two runs off four hits.

Maynard faced five batters and all five reached base, she gave up five runs on four hits and a walk in zero innings pitched.

Michigan took advantage of pitching mistakes from Penn State, as the 14 runs came off 15 hits and two errors, including three home runs.

The Wolverines are tied for second with Northwestern in the Big Ten in home runs (53). Maddie Erickson hit her second home run of the series off Volpe in the third inning.

Michigan capitalized in the sixth inning after scoring seven runs on six hits and batting around in the order.

The sixth inning saw a couple of big hits for Michigan, including a two-run double from Ella Stephenson and a three-run home run from Lily Vallimont that capped off the inning.

In terms of pitching, Michigan’s Hannah George earned the win despite not starting after she pitched 4.2 innings while giving up only one run off three hits.

“I think we did some good things, but obviously Michigan was just the better team today. But we’re going to show up tomorrow and be the better team tomorrow,” coach Crowell said.

Penn State looks to avoid the sweep from Michigan during Senior Day tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Beard Field.

Caitlyn Brooks is a first-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email crb6283@psu.edu.