The Nittany Lions open up the 2025 campaign in Caguas for the Puerto Rico Baseball Challenge. After a season with the most wins in a season since 2011, Penn State faces off against Missouri on Friday, Stetson on Saturday, and UConn on Sunday.
Penn State vs. Missouri: Watch out for Nicoletto
Senior outfielder Cayden Nicoletto looks to make a serious impact off the hot bat after smashing 27 home runs last season for NAIA member Columbia (MO), leading the American Midwest Conference stat category. His .915 slugging percentage is not anything to scoff at either, and he’ll give Nittany Lion pitchers everything he’s got in his debut.
Penn State vs. Stetson: Embracing the spoiler role
The Hatters picked up upset wins against Florida, Florida State, UCF, and Alabama last season during a 2024 campaign that saw them win the ASUN conference and appear in the Tallahassee Regional. Stetson has potential for growth, returning two players with double-digit home run totals in infielders Yohann Dessurealt (11) and Lorenzo Meola (10).
UConn: Speed demons and heavy hitters
Outfielder Caleb Shpur showed off the quick feet last season, swiping 26 bags with a .372 on-base percentage. His speed is complemented by the power of first baseman Maddix Dalena with his 13 home runs from the 2024 campaign.
1. Friday Projected Starters
Penn State: RHP Mason Horwat (4-1, 5.34 ERA in 2024)
Missouri: LHP Ian Lohse (0-4, 5.22 ERA in 2024)
2. Saturday Projected Starters
Stetson: LHP Jonathan Gonzalez (8-4, 4.13 ERA in 2023)
Penn State: LHP Matt Morash (2-0, 6.47 ERA in 2024)
3. Sunday Projected Starters
Penn State: LHP Ryan DeSanto (4-2, 3.72 ERA in 2024) [St. Joseph's]
UConn: RHP Thomas Ellisen (3-1, 4.76 ERA in 2024)
Portney's Picks
The Nittany Lions will show off nine months of revenge and growth by cruising past Missouri. They’ll then follow that up by inching past Stetson in extra innings. Lastly, Penn State will drop a close one to UConn to finish off the opening weekend with a 2-1 record.