The Penn State Nittany Lions return home for a three-game set with the USC Trojans this weekend. Both teams are likely on the outside of the NCAA bubble watch, and a series win for either gives them favorability within the selection committee. These are the biggest storylines for a must-win series for the Nittany Lions.
USC: Hedges can do it all
Third baseman and right-handed pitcher Ethan Hedges has been an all-around athlete for the Trojans this season. At the plate, Hedges is second in the Big Ten in slugging percentage with .805, behind only Northwestern's Trent Liolios who has a .843 number. On the mound, Hedges has been the Trojans' top closer this year, leading USC and the Big Ten overall in saves with eight.
USC: Caden duo is rocking the rotation
The one-two punch of left-handed pitcher Caden Hunter and right-handed pitcher Caden Aoki has been tough to beat this season, combining for a record of 8-3 in their 16 total starts. Hunter's 3.65 earned run average is among the lowest in the Big Ten, ranking eighth in the conference. Aoki's walks-per-nine-innings is the lowest in the Big Ten at 0.8, as he has struck out 39 batters and walked only four this year.
Penn State: Trying to overcome home woes
The Nittany Lions have struggled getting the bats to work at home through 11 contests this year, as no batter has hit a .300 average or above in that split. The best hitter at Medlar Field for the Nittany Lions has been Jack Porter, who has a .286 batting average in 42 at-bats when playing there. The Penn State bats have only 11 home runs at home this year, averaging one per game.
Penn State: Getting streaky with it
Designated hitter Jack Porter has quietly put together a great season at the plate, batting .327 which is second behind only centerfielder Paxton Kling on the team, who has a .348 average. The junior from Clearwater, Florida currently boasts a 30-game on-base streak, which is a stretch that Penn State fans would hope continues through this weekend. He's seen the last four games at the cleanup spot, revealing his potential to hit for power as well as he has six home runs this year.
1. Friday Probable Starters
USC: LHP Caden Hunter (6-1, 3.65 ERA)
Penn State: LHP Ryan DeSanto (6-1, 3.62 ERA)
2. Saturday Probable Starters
USC: RHP Caden Aoki (2-2, 5.65 ERA)
Penn State: RHP Mason Horwat (4-2, 6.06 ERA)
3. Sunday Probable Starters
USC: To be announced.
Penn State: LHP Logan Olson (0-1, 5.87 ERA)
Portney's Picks
The Nittany Lions are back in their groove and their home state. A night game on Saturday also helps set the scene for a Penn State crowd ready to see what their team can do in an impactful series. From what I've seen, the lights won't be too bright for the Nittany Lions, as I see Penn State taking two of three from USC.