In a thrilling contest at the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska, junior catcher Nate Voss delivered a decisive blow with a go-ahead home run, propelling the Penn State Nittany Lions to a 2-1 victory over the USC Trojans. This win secured Penn State a spot in the semifinals, marking their back-to-back appearance in this stage for the first time since 2000-01. Penn State’s season record improved to 33-22, while USC fell to 34-21.
The Nittany Lions showcased strong pitching throughout the game. Starter Logan Olson lasted 2.1 innings, yielding one run on four hits while striking out two. Ben DeMell and Matt Morash each contributed scoreless innings, with DeMell allowing just one hit. Dimond Loosli excelled with 2.1 scoreless frames to earn his fifth win, while Chase Renner closed the game with a solid ninth inning to secure the save.
In terms of hitting, Voss’s pivotal homer highlighted his performance alongside teammates Paxton Kling and Bryce Molinaro. Kling had an impressive day, going three-for-three with a run and a stolen base, while Molinaro drove in the other run with an RBI single, marking significant achievements in the program’s history in terms of season records.
The game began with PSU taking an early lead in the first inning, where Kling’s walk and subsequent steal set up Molinaro’s hit to score the first run. USC answered back in the second inning, equalizing the score after a series of strategic plays that loaded the bases.
Voss’s ninth-inning home run was a climactic moment for Penn State. After a couple of outs, he connected with a hanging breaking ball, driving it 354 feet into the left field bleachers for the go-ahead run. This moment not only secured the win but added to the excitement surrounding the Nittany Lions’ campaign in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Penn State will face either the number one seed Oregon or the eighth seed Nebraska in the semifinals, set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, broadcast on Big Ten Network. As the Nittany Lions continue their pursuit of a championship, they are displaying a strong mix of talent and determination that could lead them deep into the tournament. This victory serves as a testament to the team’s growth and potential as they look to grab their first tournament title since the early 2000s.