Penn State's standout performers from the Puerto Rico Challenge

A business trip to Puerto Rico went well for Penn State, as the Nittany Lions finished the weekend 2-1 to start the season. After a 10-0 rout over Missouri and a dramatic 7-6 victory over UConn, the squad heads home in preparation for a road trip starting in Farmville, Va., where they will play a four-game series against the Longwood Lancers.

But before we look ahead, let’s look back at some of the best Nittany Lions from the Puerto Rico Challenge.

Paxton Kling, CF

The transfer from Louisiana State has an instant impact on the roster. His bat was heard all over Caguas on Friday as he ripped the first home run of his Nittany Lion tenure to left-center field. With two RBIs against Missouri and another against Stetson, Kling has been comfortable in the leadoff spot.

Not only did he have a nice weekend in the batter’s box, but it was in the field where he really stood out. Kling carries an elite fielding ability in centerfield, we saw that Sunday night. With the UConn Huskies threatening to tie the game in the ninth inning, he tracked down a ball and ended the game with a stylist sliding grab. The catch prevented the tying run from crossing the plate.

As a part of the 2023 College World Series-winning LSU team, the junior brings that championship style to Happy Valley.

Mason Horwat, RHP

The sophomore stood on the mound with dominance on Friday, starting the season with a gem. Mason Horwat left Missouri guessing as soon as he stepped on the mound, throwing filthy pitches the Tigers couldn’t hit.

As a returning player, Horwat felt the pain of the Big Ten title loss.

“Being at the run we had at the end of the year, being one run short definitely hurt, but it shows us how close we are, and it just kind of motivates us all more,” Horwat said.

That motivation was evident early. He pitched five innings and sent seven batters packing, giving up only a single hit and two walks on 75 pitches.

With the loss of Travis Luensmann and Jaden Henline, Horwat’s role will be elevated this year. So far, he’s thriving in the spotlight.

Joe Jaconski, 2B/OF

The senior’s three-run blast in the top of the second inning of the game against UConn blew the game wide open on Sunday to make it a 5-0 lead.

As a Nittany Lion, Jaconski has hit seven homers, with his most recent one before Sunday being in the Big Ten Tournament against Michigan last year on May 25.

As for his batting average, it was the highest on the team at .462 after the opening weekend, going 6-for-13 in three games.

He started at second base for all three games last weekend, and with six putouts and assists each, he’s settled in at his new position.

Despite having some trouble in the outfield, there’s no doubt that it’ll be hard to put a fly ball in front of him once he’s reoriented into regular baseball.

Ryan DeSanto

A transfer from Saint Joseph’s, DeSanto was ranked D1Baseball’s No. 116 in their Top 150 Starting Pitchers preseason ranking.

Last season, DeSanto had a 4-2 record with a 3.72 ERA in 14 starts with 88 strikeouts in 75 innings pitched. His 2024 performance, including a complete-game shutout, earned him Atlantic 10 All-Championship Team honors.

The southpaw starter got the nod in Penn State’s final game of the Puerto Rico Challenge against the UConn Huskies.

DeSanto tossed four innings of no-hit baseball, struck out six and allowed one unearned run to score on an error.

He retired the first nine consecutive batters he faced and, in the process, retired the side via the punchout in the second inning.

His day was done once he forced a flyout, stranding a runner on second and preventing any more runs from crossing the plate.

For all things Penn State baseball be sure to follow CommRadio insiders Anthony Desher (@Ranch_Deshing), Bryan Portney (@29Bport) and Daniel Studer (@DanielStuderPSU).

Anthony Desher is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email desher1119@gmail.com.

Bryan Portney is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bep5295@psu.edu.

Daniel Studer is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email dbs5866@psu.edu.