Across campus, students are looking forward to another week of late nights hitting the books (or bars) before heading home for a summer of relaxation.

Members of the Penn State baseball team have no such luxury.

Riddled with injuries and facing the very real possibility of missing the Big Ten tournament for the first time since 1999, the Nittany Lions (15-21, 4-11 Big Ten) welcome Michigan (12-22, 7-9 Big Ten) to Beaver Field for four games this weekend starting this afternoon at 3.

The Lions' pitching staff, which has lacked consistency for the bulk of the season to begin with, lost ace hurler Mike Watson for the weekend due to an elbow injury. Also, Kevin Damiano, who has been trying to move up from his bullpen to starter is questionable due to a strained tricep. Penn State pitching coach Randy Ford is optimistic that Damiano can bounce back for Sunday's game.

"I think with his makeup we always thought he'd be a closer but he wants to be a starter and he did a commendable job," Penn State baseball coach Joe Hindelang said about Damiano's performance Wednesday against Delaware. "I certainly hope he is OK."

Also, pitcher Justin Nash, who's been hampered by an arm injury all season that has prevented him reaching his high velocity, is questionable.

Pitching is not the only that the injury bug has laid waste to. Shortstop Willie Melendez, who backs up Mike Milliron, fouled a ball off his foot and is on crutches, in addition to speedy outfielder Zack Smithlin. The clubhouse full of walking wounded has had its effect on the team.

"You have all your starters and all of a sudden you have to throw players in, it's rough," said first baseman Clint Eury.

These injuries come at a terrible time for the Lions, as they sit in the Big Ten basement sitting four games back of the Wolverines and Illinois, who are tied for sixth place, the last spot to qualify for the conference tournament.

However, Penn State does have one thing working in its favor: home field. After last weekend's long haul to Northwestern, the team is glad it doesn't have to spend hours on a bus.

"That last bus ride was a rough one because it was a long one," Eury said. "We wasted a lot of time on that, so it is nice to be able to go about what you want to do and then go to the games."