The Penn State Nittany Lions look to improve their 4-2 start to Big Ten conference play as they host the Michigan State Spartans. For storylines, starting pitcher matchups, and picks, read below.
Michigan State: All-American on the bump
Left-handed junior pitcher Joseph Dzierwa was named to the Perfect Game Preseason All-American list in January, and he has certainly lived up to the hype so far this season. Dzierwa has gone 4-0 and struck out 46 batters in five starts with the Spartans in 2025. In his career at Michigan State, he has started 27 games out of 30 appearances and won 15 decisions.
Michigan State: Dead-even in Happy Valley
The Spartans are 27-27 against the Nittany Lions when traveling to Penn State in their head-to-head series. Recent history has favored the Nittany Lions, however, as they've been 7-1 against Michigan State at home since 2018. Overall, in the head-to-head series, the Spartans lead with a 52-45 record against Penn State.
Penn State: Horwat returns to the rotation
After exiting Game 2 against Indiana early on Friday, March 7, sophomore right-handed pitcher Mason Horwat missed the series against Northwestern last weekend. Horwat has been listed as the projected Saturday starter for this weekend's series against Michigan State. Junior left-handed pitcher Logan Olson is also returning from injury and is set to make his first Big Ten start on Sunday.
Penn State: Offensive flaws exposed against Lafayette
The Nittany Lions were held to their lowest amount of runs of the season against the Leopards on Wednesday, scoring three runs in a 5-3 loss. A big factor of Penn State's offense this year has been plate discipline, which did not work against Lafayette as they only drew one walk. The Nittany Lions were also limited to seven hits and struck out five times.
1. Friday Probable Starters
Michigan State: LHP Joseph Dzierwa (4-0, 1.42 ERA)
Penn State: LHP Ryan DeSanto (4-0, 2.91 ERA)
2. Saturday Probable Starters
Michigan State: RHP Nolan Higgins (1-1, 3.47 ERA)
Penn State: RHP Mason Horwat (3-1, 4.32 ERA)
3. Sunday Probable Starters
Michigan State: TBA
Penn State: LHP Logan Olson (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Portney's Picks
The Friday matchup will set the tone for the entire weekend. The Nittany Lions will win the pitcher's duel and move on to Saturday with a recovering Mason Horwat where they'll lose. In the Sunday rubber match, Penn State will prevail in Olson's Big Ten debut to take two of three from Michigan State.