UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State baseball team kept its weekend momentum at the plate, earning a 15-1 win over Northwestern in seven innings on Sunday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The Nittany Lions swept the series against the Wildcats to improve to 16-12 on the season, including 4-5 in Big Ten play.
Penn State picked up its first sweep over a Big Ten opponent since April 21-23, 2023 against Ohio State.
In the series, the Nittany Lions batted .408 at the plate with 42 hits, including nine doubles, three triples and seven homers, and 35 runs in 25 innings.
On the mound, Penn State's starting pitchers, Travis Luensmann, Jaden Henline and Frankie Sanchez combined for 18 innings, allowing 17 hits, seven earned runs and three walks, while striking out six.
Sanchez made the start for the Nittany Lions on Sunday. He fired six strong innings, giving up one run on six hits. He struck out one batter and walked none. He retired six-straight batters between the third and fifth innings and worked a 1-2-3 first inning. Mason Butash tossed a scoreless seventh inning.
Garrett Shearer got the start for Northwestern, going three innings. He allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and struck out four. Luke Benneche threw two innings, giving up four runs on one hit and four walks. Kellen Pate allowed three runs on a hit and two walks before Peter Michael gave up two runs on a hit and a walk. Cole Mascott worked the final three outs, allowing a hit.
The Nittany Lions collected 15 runs on 12 hits and eight walks. Joe Jaconski led the way with six RBI, including a grand slam, and two runs. Bryce Molinaro added two hits, including a homer, two RBI and four run. Bobby Marsh went three-for-four with a double and two RBI, while Kyle Hannon drove in two runs with a triple and scored three times. Adam Cecere added two RBI.
Jaconski's six RBI are PSU's most since Jay Harry's six RBI against Michigan State on May 1, 2021. Jaconski launched PSU's first grand slam since Johnny Piacentino against Ohio State on April 21, 2023.
Northwestern had one run on seven hits. Preston Knott collected two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Vince Bianchina and Tony Livermore also had two hits.
Penn State got on the board in the second. Grant Norris led off the inning with a single through the middle. Matt Maloney was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Molinaro shot a grounder through the left side to drive in Norris. Tayven Kelley followed with a single to center to bring home Maloney. With two outs, Marsh poked a single to center to bring in Molinaro. The Nittany Lions led 3-0.
Northwestern answered with a run in the top of the third. With one out, Livermore lined a single to right. A bunt single by Griffin Arnone put two runners on. Knott ripped a double to the left-center gap to drive in Livermore. Penn State still led 3-1.
The Nittany Lions extended their lead in the fourth. Molinaro led off the inning with an opposite-field homer over the right field wall. Kelley singled through the left side before Hannon knocked a fly ball off the wall in center and raced to third for a triple as Kelley scored. A pop up by Joe Jaconski dropped into center to bring home Hannon. Penn State held a 6-1 advantage.
Penn State added four runs in the fifth. With one out, Molinaro, Kelley and Hannon drew walks to load the bases. Jaconski held off on a 3-1 pitch for his own walk as Molinaro scored. Marsh was hit by a pitch to allow Kelley to score. Two batters later, Cecere lined a single to right to bring home Hannon and Jaconski. Penn State led 10-1.
The Blue and White exploded for five runs in the sixth. Maloney singled to begin the frame. Molinaro and Kelley walked to load the bases. Hannon laid off a 3-2 pitch for a walk as Maloney scored. Jaconski lifted a 2-1 pitch over the wall in right for a grand slam to put Penn State ahead, 15-1.
The Nittany Lions continue their homestand on Tuesday for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch. Tuesday is Dollar Dog Night, featuring $1 hot dogs.
All home games are free admission for all ages.
For updates on the Penn State baseball team, please follow @pennstatebase on X and Instagram.
The 2024 Penn State baseball season is presented by The Family Clothesline.
Penn State celebrates Joe Jaconski's grand slam