The No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions have once again defied the odds, delivering late with their backs against the wall. A shot to go to the Big Ten semifinal hung in the balance for the Nittany Lions on Thursday as they defeated the No. 4 USC Trojans by a score of 2-1.
In a game that looked like it was going to be a battle between high-powered offenses, it was anything but that, as the bats stayed dormant for quite a long time in the game.
Just like in the last game, Penn State center fielder Paxton Kling scored the game's first run in the top of the first inning as third baseman Bryce Molinaro hit a single to drive him in.
USC didn't waste much time getting back into the game as center fielder Brayden Dowd hit an RBI single to bring home second baseman Abbrie Covarrubias from third base in the bottom of the second inning.
The early game-saver for Penn State came in the bottom of the third inning when left fielder Jesse Jaconski threw out USC shortstop Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek at home.
Both teams were able to get plenty of runners on base, as the Nittany Lions and Trojans combined for 16 hits. The problem, however, was bringing those runners home, with the two teams combining for 19 runners left on base.
This game was a pitcher's duel from the start, with USC right-handed pitcher Caden Aoki going the distance with seven strikeouts in seven innings. Penn State opted for more of a 'bullpen game' type of approach, as left-handed pitcher Logan Olson only pitched 2.1 innings to start the game. The Nittany Lion bullpen pitched 6.2 scoreless innings, with right-handed pitcher Dimond Loosli getting credited with the win.
The turning point in the game came in the top of the ninth inning, as catcher Nate Voss hit a solo home run to deep left field for the go-ahead run.
Penn State right-handed pitcher Chase Renner shut the door in the bottom of the ninth inning, facing the minimum to clinch the 2-1 victory.
What this means for the Nittany Lions
With the win over USC, Penn State has advanced to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the second-straight year.
The Nittany Lions will face the winner of No. 1 Oregon and No. 8 Nebraska on Saturday, May 24, with the first pitch being thrown at 3 p.m. ET.