Friday, April 19
McLane Stadium at Kobs Field | East Lansing, Mich.
8:02 PM
Michigan State University
16-19, 4-6
6
vs
5
Penn State
18-16, 5-8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Penn State
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
3
0
5
7
1
Michigan State
0
1
0
0
3
2
0
0
X
6
7
1
Photo by: MSU Baseball Social Squad
Spartans Nip Nittany Lions, 6-5, Under Friday Night Lights
4/19/2024 11:59:00 PM | Baseball
MSU holds off PSU to win series opener.
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State baseball took a lead in the middle innings, then withstood a late Penn State rally and held on for a 6-5 Victory for MSU in a nationally televised Big Ten Conference contest under the Friday night lights at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field.
A national audience watching on Big Ten Network and a spirited crowd in attendance on the chilly spring night were treated to a thrilling, tight ballgame. An 8:03 p.m. first pitch made for the second-latest start time in McLane Stadium at Kobs Field history, as the facility has only had lights since 2019, trailing last season's 8:06 p.m. start time on May 18, 2023 vs. Indiana.
Friday was also MSU's Military Appreciation Night, and the Spartans debuted their Military Appreciation black jerseys with camo green font and numbers, with the Sparty logo running with the American flag on the bag just above the numbers.
With the win, MSU improved to 16-19 overall and 4-6 in B1G action, while PSU is 18-16 overall and 5-8 in conference competition. Friday was the Nittany Lions' first visit to East Lansing since 2021, and Friday's result snapped Penn State's seven-game winning streak in the series, as it was the Spartans' first win since 2021. MSU leads the all-time series, 55-44, including 24-17 in East Lansing.
Michigan State scored a run in the second inning before Penn State countered with one in the third and another in the fourth for a 2-1 lead. The Spartans stormed back with a three-run fifth frame and tacked on two in the sixth for a 6-2 lead. The Nittany Lions did not go quietly into the brisk dark night, rallying with three runs in the eighth, before the Spartans snuffed out the rally to secure the Victory for MSU.
"We've been through a lot this year already and we held onto the lead which was really important for the win," MSU head coach Jake Boss Jr. said.
For the second-straight game, senior outfielder Jack Frank led the way on offense, providing big hits again Friday night.
"I think that we have had a lot of games where you have the opportunity in the close games, some have gone our ways, and some have not," Frank said. "Tonight was a good reminder that we can still win those games and that we are in those games until the very end. We gave up a couple of runs there in the end, but I knew that we would find a way. They weren't beating us out there tonight, we were winning that game, and we should have won that game. It was a good result today but at the end of the day, I know that we are good enough to win these games, even close games and today was a good example. Good to get the first win out of the way."
Despite the late night and chilly temps, both teams had hot bats and big hits, with the teams combining for six extra base hits.
MSU had seven total hits, led by the senior duo of Frank and infielder Dillon Kark. Frank was 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Kark was 1-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored.
Graduate catcher Sam Thompson and senior outfielder Greg Ziegler were both 1-for-3, with Thompson posting an RBI and run scored, while Ziegler had a run scored. Junior infielder Sam Busch and freshman infielder Ryan McKay added the Spartans' other hits.
On the mound, sophomore southpaw Joseph Dzierwa went 6.0 IP, ringing up six strikeouts, including three in the second stanza.
"I thought Joseph was good tonight," Boss said. "He really competed but I think that he would tell you that he didn't have his best stuff tonight. He figured out a way to get guys out and I think that ironically, his best inning was the sixth. He felt really good and confident then and was at 99 pitches, but I think it was a gritty performance by Dzierwa, he made one bad pitch but limited the damage. A solo home run doesn't beat you, so I thought Joseph was really good tonight."
Senior Aaron Mishoulam came on in relief to open the seventh and went 1.2 IP with two Ks, and turned things over to sophomore Nolan Higgins in the eighth after PSU scored three runs to close to 6-5 with Nittany Lions on the corners with two outs. Higgins rang up a swinging strikeout to leave the two runners stranded and keep it 6-5, then went 1-2-3 in the ninth for his first career save.
"I think that Aaron Mishoulam did a really good job for us tonight in the seventh and getting us into the eighth. I'm really happy for Nolan Higgins, he's been up and down a lot this year and his last two outings prior to today were really good. We went back to him today in a big spot and he really showed up for us. I'm really happy for him and that boost from the bullpen really gives the team confidence moving forward. Tomorrow is a new day, we'll enjoy this one and get back at it tomorrow."
The Spartans touched home first in the game with a run in the bottom of the second on an RBI groundout by graduate catcher Sam Thompson. The Nittany Lions evened the score in the third and took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth. MSU countered with a three-run fifth frame, boosted by Kark's two-run double and later a McKay RBI single for a 4-2 lead.
Thompson jump-started the Spartan rally in the sixth with a leadoff single. Sophomore infielder Randy Seymour laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Thompson to second, and Frank followed by smacking a triple to deep center. Kark came up next and had a sacrifice fly to plate Frank for a 6-2 Spartan advantage.
The Nittany Lions rallied in the eighth with three runs on four hits, including three doubles, to close to 6-5 with two outs and two on, and MSU went to the pen and brought Higgins to the mound. He rang up a strikeout to end the PSU rally and the inning.
Busch knocked a single to start off the eighth, moved to second on a Thompson sac bunt and took third on a Seymour flyout, but was stranded there to end the inning.
Higgins worked a 1-2-3 inning in the ninth to secure the Spartan triumph and spark the celebration.
MSU and PSU return to the diamond at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field for Saturday's game two of the series at 3:35 p.m., before Sunday's series finale at 1:05 p.m.
Fans can follow this weekend's action with "Tickets," "Watch Live," "Listen Live" and "Live Stats" links at MSUSpartans.com.
Michigan State's schedule is subject to change, stay tuned to MSUSpartans.com and @MSUBaseball on Twitter for schedule updates.
---------
For the first time ever, Michigan State baseball fans have the ability to purchase season tickets.
Season tickets packages are on sale through the Spartan Ticket Office. The MSU baseball season ticket package, which includes 24 home games at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field, is available for $50.
All ticket levels for seniors, adults and children are the same price. Admission remains free for all Michigan State students by showing their MSU ID at the entry gate.
The 2024 Spartan baseball season includes Big Ten match-ups against Rutgers, Penn State and Nebraska, along with regional clashes with Central Michigan, Oakland and Notre Dame, in addition to giving fans admission to all three home games of baseball Rivalry Week against Michigan.
Individual game tickets are also on sale through the Spartan Ticket Office.
Fans can contact the Spartan Ticket Office at 517-355-1610 or by email at tickets@msu.edu for questions or more information. A direct link to purchase season tickets is here.
A national audience watching on Big Ten Network and a spirited crowd in attendance on the chilly spring night were treated to a thrilling, tight ballgame. An 8:03 p.m. first pitch made for the second-latest start time in McLane Stadium at Kobs Field history, as the facility has only had lights since 2019, trailing last season's 8:06 p.m. start time on May 18, 2023 vs. Indiana.
Friday was also MSU's Military Appreciation Night, and the Spartans debuted their Military Appreciation black jerseys with camo green font and numbers, with the Sparty logo running with the American flag on the bag just above the numbers.
With the win, MSU improved to 16-19 overall and 4-6 in B1G action, while PSU is 18-16 overall and 5-8 in conference competition. Friday was the Nittany Lions' first visit to East Lansing since 2021, and Friday's result snapped Penn State's seven-game winning streak in the series, as it was the Spartans' first win since 2021. MSU leads the all-time series, 55-44, including 24-17 in East Lansing.
Michigan State scored a run in the second inning before Penn State countered with one in the third and another in the fourth for a 2-1 lead. The Spartans stormed back with a three-run fifth frame and tacked on two in the sixth for a 6-2 lead. The Nittany Lions did not go quietly into the brisk dark night, rallying with three runs in the eighth, before the Spartans snuffed out the rally to secure the Victory for MSU.
VICTORY FOR MSU!!!
— Michigan State Baseball (@MSUBaseball) April 20, 2024
High fives and handshakes allllllllll around!!!
Final score from McLane Stadium at Kobs Field:
Michigan State 6, Penn State 5
Spartans win @B1Gbaseball series opener, G2 Sat at 3:35 pm, G3 Sun at 1:05 pm!#VictoryForMSU pic.twitter.com/cubooOeQB9
"We've been through a lot this year already and we held onto the lead which was really important for the win," MSU head coach Jake Boss Jr. said.
For the second-straight game, senior outfielder Jack Frank led the way on offense, providing big hits again Friday night.
"I think that we have had a lot of games where you have the opportunity in the close games, some have gone our ways, and some have not," Frank said. "Tonight was a good reminder that we can still win those games and that we are in those games until the very end. We gave up a couple of runs there in the end, but I knew that we would find a way. They weren't beating us out there tonight, we were winning that game, and we should have won that game. It was a good result today but at the end of the day, I know that we are good enough to win these games, even close games and today was a good example. Good to get the first win out of the way."
Despite the late night and chilly temps, both teams had hot bats and big hits, with the teams combining for six extra base hits.
MSU had seven total hits, led by the senior duo of Frank and infielder Dillon Kark. Frank was 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Kark was 1-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored.
Graduate catcher Sam Thompson and senior outfielder Greg Ziegler were both 1-for-3, with Thompson posting an RBI and run scored, while Ziegler had a run scored. Junior infielder Sam Busch and freshman infielder Ryan McKay added the Spartans' other hits.
On the mound, sophomore southpaw Joseph Dzierwa went 6.0 IP, ringing up six strikeouts, including three in the second stanza.
"I thought Joseph was good tonight," Boss said. "He really competed but I think that he would tell you that he didn't have his best stuff tonight. He figured out a way to get guys out and I think that ironically, his best inning was the sixth. He felt really good and confident then and was at 99 pitches, but I think it was a gritty performance by Dzierwa, he made one bad pitch but limited the damage. A solo home run doesn't beat you, so I thought Joseph was really good tonight."
Joseph Dzierwa finished the night with six strikeouts!!
— Michigan State Baseball (@MSUBaseball) April 20, 2024
It's Dzierwa's 6⃣th outing with 6⃣ or more Ks in 10 outings!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#GoGreen | @DzierwaJoseph pic.twitter.com/E8nMsyqeXd
Senior Aaron Mishoulam came on in relief to open the seventh and went 1.2 IP with two Ks, and turned things over to sophomore Nolan Higgins in the eighth after PSU scored three runs to close to 6-5 with Nittany Lions on the corners with two outs. Higgins rang up a swinging strikeout to leave the two runners stranded and keep it 6-5, then went 1-2-3 in the ninth for his first career save.
"I think that Aaron Mishoulam did a really good job for us tonight in the seventh and getting us into the eighth. I'm really happy for Nolan Higgins, he's been up and down a lot this year and his last two outings prior to today were really good. We went back to him today in a big spot and he really showed up for us. I'm really happy for him and that boost from the bullpen really gives the team confidence moving forward. Tomorrow is a new day, we'll enjoy this one and get back at it tomorrow."
The Spartans touched home first in the game with a run in the bottom of the second on an RBI groundout by graduate catcher Sam Thompson. The Nittany Lions evened the score in the third and took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth. MSU countered with a three-run fifth frame, boosted by Kark's two-run double and later a McKay RBI single for a 4-2 lead.
Number 2 for a 2-run 2-bagger!!
— Michigan State Baseball (@MSUBaseball) April 20, 2024
Dillon Kark smacks a double down the LF line to drive in Seymour and Frank and give MSU a 3-2 lead!!
It's Kark's team-leading 13th double of the season!!#GoGreen | @KarkDillon | @JackF_22 | @RandySeymour14 pic.twitter.com/fMTqbEJZ54
Thompson jump-started the Spartan rally in the sixth with a leadoff single. Sophomore infielder Randy Seymour laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Thompson to second, and Frank followed by smacking a triple to deep center. Kark came up next and had a sacrifice fly to plate Frank for a 6-2 Spartan advantage.
The Nittany Lions rallied in the eighth with three runs on four hits, including three doubles, to close to 6-5 with two outs and two on, and MSU went to the pen and brought Higgins to the mound. He rang up a strikeout to end the PSU rally and the inning.
Busch knocked a single to start off the eighth, moved to second on a Thompson sac bunt and took third on a Seymour flyout, but was stranded there to end the inning.
Higgins worked a 1-2-3 inning in the ninth to secure the Spartan triumph and spark the celebration.
MSU and PSU return to the diamond at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field for Saturday's game two of the series at 3:35 p.m., before Sunday's series finale at 1:05 p.m.
Fans can follow this weekend's action with "Tickets," "Watch Live," "Listen Live" and "Live Stats" links at MSUSpartans.com.
Michigan State's schedule is subject to change, stay tuned to MSUSpartans.com and @MSUBaseball on Twitter for schedule updates.
---------
For the first time ever, Michigan State baseball fans have the ability to purchase season tickets.
Season tickets packages are on sale through the Spartan Ticket Office. The MSU baseball season ticket package, which includes 24 home games at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field, is available for $50.
All ticket levels for seniors, adults and children are the same price. Admission remains free for all Michigan State students by showing their MSU ID at the entry gate.
The 2024 Spartan baseball season includes Big Ten match-ups against Rutgers, Penn State and Nebraska, along with regional clashes with Central Michigan, Oakland and Notre Dame, in addition to giving fans admission to all three home games of baseball Rivalry Week against Michigan.
Individual game tickets are also on sale through the Spartan Ticket Office.
Fans can contact the Spartan Ticket Office at 517-355-1610 or by email at tickets@msu.edu for questions or more information. A direct link to purchase season tickets is here.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Dzierwa, Joseph (4-2)
L: Luensmann, Travis (4-2)
S: Higgins, Nolan (1)
Batting:
2B: Marr, J.T. 1 ; Molinaro, Bryce 1 ; Maloney, Matt 1
HR: Norris, Grant 1
RBI: Marr, J.T. 2 ; Norris, Grant 1 ; Molinaro, Bryce 1 ; Maloney, Matt 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Marsh, Bobby 1 ; Marr, J.T. 1 ; Norris, Grant 1 ; Molinaro, Bryce 1 ; Kelley, Tayven 1
SB: Norris, Grant 1 ; Kelley, Tayven 1
Batting:
2B: Kark, Dillon 1
3B: Frank, Jack 1
RBI: Frank, Jack 1 ; Kark, Dillon 3 ; McKay, Ryan 1 ; Thompson, Sam 1
SH: Williams, Christian 1 ; Thompson, Sam 1 ; Seymour, Randy 1
SF: Kark, Dillon 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Frank, Jack 2 ; Kark, Dillon 1 ; Ziegler, Greg 1 ; Thompson, Sam 1 ; Seymour, Randy 1
SB: Ziegler, Greg 1 ; Busch, Sam 1
CS: Ziegler, Greg 1
HBP: Seymour, Randy 1
PO: Ziegler, Greg 1
Game Leaders
Hitting
AB
5
R
2
H
2
RBI
1
AB
3
R
1
H
1
RBI
3
AB
4
R
0
H
1
RBI
1
AB
3
R
1
H
1
RBI
0
Players Mentioned
LHP
/ BaseballOF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ BaseballINF
/ BaseballINF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
C
/ BaseballOF
/ BaseballPursuit to Greatness | Spartans All-Access
Monday, May 19
Jake Boss | Baseball Press Conference | April 17, 2025
Thursday, April 17
Jake Boss | Baseball Press Conference | Mar. 25 2025
Tuesday, March 25
Jake Boss | Baseball Press Conference | Mar. 11 2025
Tuesday, March 11