Pitcher's Duel Highlights Nittany Lions Home Bout With Spartans (Series Preview)
- bryanportney01
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Michigan State (14-6, 1-2 Big Ten) at Penn State (15-5, 4-2 Big Ten)
Dates: March 21-23
Times: 5:30 PM (Fri), 2:00 PM (Sat), 1:00 PM (Sun)
Location: Medlar Field at Lubrano Park (University Park, PA)
Coverage
TV: BTN+ ($) [free on-campus]
Radio: CommRadio & LionVision (PSU)
Live Stats/Pregame Lineups: StatBroadcast (PSU)
Storylines
Big Preseason Honors for Dzierwa
Junior left-handed pitcher Joseph Dzierwa was mentioned as part of the Perfect Game Preseason All-American list after a successful spring season with the Spartans and an impressive summer campaign in the Cape Cod League. He was also named as the Number 121 draft prospect in the D1Baseball Top 150. (Source: Michigan State University Athletics)
Olson Successful in Short Debut
JUCO transfer junior left-handed pitcher Logan Olson was injured for the first part of the 2025 season, but he recovered well when he got the start against Saint Bonaventure on Tuesday. Olson struck out one batter and forced a 1-2-3 frame in his lone inning of work that day. (Source: Penn State - Official Athletics Website)
Numbers Tell The Story
Michigan State | Offense | Penn State |
.264 | Batting Average | .300 |
.392 | On-Base Pct | .413 |
27 (1.35) | Home Runs (per game) | 38 (1.90) |
49-32-29 | Run Splits (F-S-S) | 59-56-35 |
Michigan State | Defense | Penn State |
4.45 | Earned Run Avg | 5.96 |
.235 | Opponent Batting Avg | .269 |
163 (8.15) | Strikeouts (per game) | 174 (8.70) |
84 (4.20) | Walks (per game) | 90 (4.50) |
Nittany Lions vs. Spartans History (Source: 2025 Penn State Baseball Record Book)
Penn State is 45-52 against Michigan State all-time. Penn State last played Michigan State from April 19-21, 2024, taking one of three from the Spartans on the road. Penn State is 27-27 against Michigan State at home all-time. Michigan State has won the last one series dating back to April 19-21, 2024. Penn State last won a series over Michigan State from May 8-9, 2022, sweeping the Spartans at home in three games.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Michigan State (Starters)
LHP Joseph Dzierwa, Jr. (4-0, 1.42 ERA)
RHP Nolan Higgins, Jr. (1-1, 3.47 ERA)
To be announced.
Michigan State (In the Bullpen)
RHP Zach Maxey, Gr. (6 app, 15.1 IP, 1.76 ERA, 1.30 WHIP)
LHP Garrett Brewer, So. (4 app, 7.0 IP, 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP)
RHP Tyler Horvath, Gr. (8 app, 3.68 ERA, 3 sv)
Penn State (Starters)
LHP Ryan DeSanto, Jr. (4-0, 2.91 ERA)
RHP Mason Horwat, So. (3-1, 4.32 ERA)
LHP Logan Olson, Jr. (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Penn State (In the Bullpen)
LHP Anthony Steele, Sr. (9 app, 12.1 IP, 1.46 ERA, 1.49 WHIP)
RHP Ben DeMell, Jr. (8 app, 14.2 IP, 4.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP)
RHP Chase Renner, R-So. (6 app, 5.2 IP, 1.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP)
Top Hitters/Runners
Michigan State (6.13|5.33|9.67 Runs per Game)
1B Sam Busch, R-Sr. (.288|.413|.678, 7 hr, 22 rbi)
Conference Stats (3 games): .250|.357|.750, 2 hr, 4 rbi
2B Ryan McKay, So. (.333|.495|.478, 2 hr, 10 rbi, 7 sb)
Conference Stats (3 games): .500|.600|1.083, 2 hr, 3 rbi
SS Randy Seymour, Jr. (.279|.347|.515, 3 hr, 20 rbi)
Conference Stats (3 games): .250|.250|.667, 1 hr, 1 rbi
Penn State (13.50|10.25|9.67 Runs per Game)
CF Paxton Kling, Jr. (.360|.437|.730, 9 hr, 29 rbi)
Conference Stats (6 games): .414|.452|.793, 3 hr, 11 rbi
DH Jack Porter, Jr. (.357|.460|.643, 5 hr, 16 rbi)
Conference Stats (6 games): .458|.481|1.042, 4 hr, 9 rbi
3B Bryce Molinaro, R-So. (.289|.412|.530, 4 hr, 30 rbi, 6 sb)
Conference Stats (6 games): .231|.323|.615, 3 hr, 12 rbi
Quick Picks: Expert Analysis
Bryan: With Olson now as an option on the mound, this opens things up for Penn State. The Nittany Lions will get through the pitcher’s duel on Friday and split on Saturday and Sunday to take the series. Penn State 2, Michigan State 1.
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