Buckeyes Shut Out Penn State, 1-0

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Behind a strong pitching staff, the Ohio State baseball team claimed a 1-0 win at Penn State Friday night at in front of 1,214 fans at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. With their second straight shutout victory, the Buckeyes improve to 22-10 overall and 4-3 in Big Ten play, while the Nittany Lions drop to 7-20 overall and 1-9 in conference action. Right-handed reliever Kyle Michalik got the win to improve to 1-1 on the year, while right-handed reliever Seth Kinker claim his eighth save of 2018.

QUOTE FROM THE SKIPPER:

"Our pitching staff was strong tonight and we’ve won a lot of games with our bats this year and it’s great to have two wins in a row now due to our arms,” head coach Greg Beals said. “It’s important for a baseball team to prove they can win games in different ways. We are starting to show that. I liked how we played defensively and we turned a couple double plays. Dingler got a ball in the gap really well tonight on a play. We had one error on a tough chopper and made the right read, but just couldn’t come up with the hop. Overall, the defense supported the pitching staff. It was a big win on opening night and they had a great outing on the mound. We handled it and found a way to win."

GAME SUMMARY

• Both teams were kept off the board until the top of the fifth when Dominic Canzone scored the lone run of the contest after PSU starting pitcher Justin Hagenman tossed a failed pickoff attempt at first base, allowing Canzone to score from second base on the throwing error with two outs and two strikes on the board.
• Left-handed starting pitcher Connor Curlis tossed 4.2 scoreless innings, scattering four hits on four walks with two strikeouts in a no decision.
• The OSU defense turned two key double plays in the second and third innings to keep it scoreless.
• The OSU bullpen did a solid job keeping the Nittany Lions off the board for the final 4.1 innings. Michalik earned the win to improve to 1-1 overall, tossing 0.2 scoreless innings on one hit and one strikeout. Right-handed reliever Thomas Waning threw 0.2 scoreless innings. Kinker claimed his eighth save of the season, recording the final nine outs of the game. He allowed three hits over three innings with two strikeouts. With runners on second and third and two down, Kinker got Sloniger to fly out Dillon Dingler in the gap in left center field to end the game. Dingler made his second start in centerfield tonight.
• SCHEDULE CHAGE: Due to predicted weather the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions will play a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. ET Saturday.

GAME NOTES

• Ohio State improves to 67-36 all-time vs. Penn State. The Buckeyes have won eight of the last nine meetings.
• The Buckeye pitching staff have not allowed a run in 18 straight innings.
• Ohio State left 10 on base, while the Nittany Lions stranded 13.
• Pohl extended his career-high hit streak to 12 games. Foppe extended his to seven in a row.
• Foppe extended his reached base streak to 16 games. Other reached base streaks extended: Pohl (12), McGowan (10).
• Michalik claimed his first win of the year, while Kinker picked up his eighth save of the season.
• Kinker now has 17 career saves, which moves him to fourth all-time in OSU history. He has 94 career appearances and is eight shy of tying the Ohio State career appearances record.

All smiles in Happy Valley Friday night. ?#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/lMj0BaM2c6

— Ohio State Baseball (@OhioState_BASE) April 14, 2018

 

RANDOM NOTES FROM AROUND THFE BALLPARK

• The Buckeyes had their own bat boy for the road series. Radio announcer Bob Spears’ son, Brady, was full of energy and passion in the dugout. He drank probably 20 Gatorades and ate about seven peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, hold the peanut butter. The kid needs his fuel.
• The PSU student section had some fun with assistant coach and first base coach Chris Holick, who is known to sprint around home plate into his first base coaches’ box. The student section would time “6” every inning. Every inning, seriously. He only got stronger as the night went on. His best time was 5.37. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
• Great crowd in Happy Valley, and why not, temps at first pitch were right around 80 degrees. There was a great backdrop behind Lubrano Park as Mount Nittany glowed as the sun began to set. To the right of the hilltop looked like a ski resort with signs of white trails of snow hanging on as winter, hopefully, draws to a close. It’s baseball season!
• Postgame fireworks rocked the park after the final out was recorded. There is something about baseball and fireworks and warm weather that just puts a smile on your face. A Buckeye win helps too. See you at the park for two on Saturday.