Nate Bumps off Spartans

Penn State ace pitcher Nate Bump throws one-hit complete game, out-duels Spartan ace

Despite tossing a one-hit shutout Friday afternoon against Michigan State, Nittany Lion pitcher Nate Bump was not overly impressed with his performance.

The senior right-hander had just come within four outs of tossing his second career no-hitter, struck out eleven, out-dueled the possible first pick in this year's draft, Spartan hurler Mark Mulder, and led Penn State (14-13, 5-3 Big Ten) to an 8-0 victory.

"I felt like I couldn't let it go today for some reason," Bump said. "I didn't think I had a real good fastball."

If Bump was not at his best Friday, Michigan State would probably hate to see him on a good day. The Spartans appeared helpless at times against Bump's pitching.

Bump overpowered Michigan State and struck out 11 batters. Even more impressive, he was still throwing over 90 miles per hour in the eighth and ninth innings. Spartan first baseman Ryan Leson was the only hitter able to keep up with Bump, smoking an eighth inning two-out single into left-center field.

"He was a surgeon out there. I don't know if you can pitch any better," Penn State coach Joe Hindelang said. "As a former pitcher I just look and say, 'Could I ever do anything like that?' And I couldn't."

Aiding Bump's effort was an offense that lit up Mulder from the start. With close to 30 major league scouts looking on, the 6-foot-6 left-hander only lasted five innings, surrendering seven runs and eight hits.

For a while it looked like Mulder might not make it out of the first inning. The Lions jumped all over him, racking up five runs on five hits in the opening frame. Penn State right fielder Dan Beers highlighted the rally, crushing a two-run home run to put the Lions ahead 2-0.

"Dan's home run was huge. That kind of took the wind out of (Mulder's) sails," Lion shortstop Adam Beers said. "After that first inning it was easier for us. We were extremely pumped up to face this kind of caliber pitching."

On a day when Bump was close to perfect, Beers' home run provided all the runs Penn State needed to earn the win.

The Spartans, though, can take some comfort since they do not have to face Bump again this season. That could be beneficial for Michigan State since Hindelang said Bump's best is yet to come.

"I still do not believe Nate's near his potential," he said. "He can still put on more strength and weight. But the future is bright for him."