Penn State and baseball don’t usually go hand in hand on the national scene but a big upset to kickstart things has brought new attention.
Heading into the tournament, Penn State baseball had a measly record of 26-28 with them never gaining traction throughout the whole year. Like any tournament though, teams are able to find ways to click and get momentum at a moment’s notice and this Nittany Lion team seemed poised to do just that after an upset of Iowa to start things.
Iowa, who was 34-18 on the year, was seen as a heavy favorite in the tournament but the surprising loss to Penn State has left them reeling. Penn State would go on to lose to Rutgers in heartbreaking fashion in a 10-inning game but regardless, they remain alive for a Big Ten championship and social media was buzzing over that fact.
Big Ten Baseball Tournament Win Probabilities
1. Iowa 26.5%
2. Rutgers 26.2%
3. Maryland 24.3%
4. Illinois 7.9%
5. Michigan 6.8%
6. Indiana 6.1%
7. Purdue 2.2%
8. Penn State <0.1%— parker (@statsowar) May 23, 2022
B1G Pitcher of the Year Adam Mazur for Iowa gave up 2 in the third inning.
Penn State 2, Iowa 1; T4
B1G Baseball Tournament pic.twitter.com/sZ90VLLrep— Carl James (@jovian34) May 26, 2022
Penn State Baseball is moving onto game 2 against Rutgers tomorrow after todays 5-2 win against Iowa. LET’S GO STATE🔵⚪️
— psu.nation_ (@psunation3) May 26, 2022
Rutgers baseball takes care of business & are 2-0 advancing in the B1G winners bracket after a dramatic 5-4 victory v. Penn State on Friday. Nate Florence threw a masterpiece 8 inning, 10 strikeout, 1 run performance before PSU sent the game into extras. A program record 43 wins!
— Aaron Breitman (@aaron_breitman) May 27, 2022
This Penn State-Rutgers baseball game is unreal. Nittany Lions were down 4-0 to begin the ninth inning. They drive in four runs — two scored by CF Johnny Piacentino's double on a 3-2 pitch with two outs. 4-4 tie.
— Kyle J. Andrews (@KyleJAndrews_) May 27, 2022
Penn State baseball upset Iowa yesterday, takes 43-14 Rutgers to extra innings but loses today. Haven’t had much to say about this program over the years but it’s making the most of its Big Ten Tournament appearance so far.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) May 27, 2022