Sluggers back on track with three-game sweep

Consider the Nittany Lion baseball team back in business.

The Lions shook off two dull losses to Virginia and North Carolina-Wilmington and swept a three-game series against Norfolk State during the weekend to improve their record to 3-2.

Penn State trailed the Spartans, 4-0, going into the fourth inning of the series' first game. Lion starter Greg Arnold was roughed up early, surrendering four runs, seven hits and four walks in just four innings.

But in the top of the fourth the Lions strung together six runs, highlighted by shortstop Adam Beers' three-run home run, giving the Lions a 6-4 lead.

"We were hitting well," said right fielder John Dacostino, who went 2-for-4 with a run scored. "Adam Beers gave us a big boost."

Beers' shot put the Lions ahead for the first time, but it didn't take long for Norfolk State to respond. The Spartans posted one run in the bottom of the fifth and two more in the sixth to take a 7-6 lead into the seventh and final inning.

But the Lions struck again in the top of the seventh. Lion first baseman Carl Albrecht homered to tie the game. Two batters later Jeremy Deitrick tripled then scored on Spartan pitcher Tomarcus Grantham's wild pitch. Lion reliever Matt Dalsey held the Spartans scoreless in the bottom of the seventh, and the Lions were en route to their first victory of the season.

Albrecht said the early four-run deficit elicited some team skepticism, but that was quickly distinguished by the six-run fourth inning.

"That was huge for our confidence," Albrecht said. "The first game changed the complexion for the next two."

Led by solid pitching, Penn State captured the next two games much easier than the first. Lion hurler Chuck Romig gave up just one run on five hits in the second game. Romig walked three batters and struck out eight as the Lions rode Romig's back in a 4-1 victory.

Lion ace Nate Bump picked up where Romig left off. Coming back from a shabby performance against Virginia, Bump limited the Spartans to one unearned run on two hits in seven innings and struck out a career-high 11 batters.

"That's a big confidence-builder for him and for us," Albrecht said. "He threw very well. It's rare when he doesn't."

While Bump chilled Spartan batters, the Lions swung a hot bat. Lion catcher Jared Sadlowski went 2-for-2 with five RBIs, including a two-run home run. Beers continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI. Albrecht went 1-for-1 with an RBI and a run scored.

With three fresh wins under their belts, the Lions can throw out the two early losses on opening weekend.

"We're putting that behind us," Dacostino said. "Now were looking forward to playing Richmond next weekend."