Sometimes, it only takes one inning to win a baseball game.

It just happens to be far more exciting when that inning is the last.

Penn State scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning, eliminating a 5-2 deficit and propelling the team to a, 6-5, win against Michigan State (15-12, 6-4 Big Ten) in the second game of yesterday's double-header in East Lansing. The big frame salvaged a split for the Nittany Lions (11-18, 4-5 Big Ten) in the twin bill, who dropped the earlier contest, 4-1.

Spartan closer Mike Monterey was having trouble finding the strike zone, and after Landon Nakata walked, a somber squad began to realize it had a chance to win the game.

"We got the leadoff runner on, and we were just being patient at the plate," said junior catcher Joe Blackburn, who drove in the eventual winning run. "One thing led to another, and before we knew it we put up four runs."

The Lions greeted the offensive outburst with a welcoming embrace, having scored just three runs in the previous 13 innings, including only one in support of staff ace Craig Clark in the opener of the doubleheader.

Head coach Robbie Wine attributed the success to Monterey's aggressive style, which better serves Penn State's hitters.

"The first couple of pitchers were finesse guys," Wine said. "[Monterey] came right at us."

The Lions got significant production from shortstop Scott Gaffney at the top of the order. In the night cap, Gaffney played arguably his finest game of the season, going 3-4 with a home run and two RBI. Despite Gaffney's .208 batting average going into the second game, Wine continued to show confidence in him, inserting him in the two-hole. Gaffney responded in the clutch, doubling in Nakata and scoring the tying run in the seventh.

"I haven't been doing that well hitting as I would like, but after the first game I knew I was seeing the ball well," Gaffney said. "I just tried to stick with the approach to go opposite field. It's a nice confidence boost."

The Lions will look to clinch a series victory in today's game at 3:05 p.m. Gaffney will take to the hill, hoping to repeat the success teammate Seth Whitehill had on Friday. Whitehill located well and fooled hitters for the second-straight start en route to a 3-1 victory in the series opener.

"We'd like to be going into tomorrow to get the sweep," Blackburn said. "But going into tomorrow after an emotional win like today, hopefully we can carry on the momentum."

Notes: Eight errors were committed between both teams in the second game, leading Wine and Gaffney to compare "choppy" Kobs Field to Penn State's old ballpark, Beaver Field. ... First baseman Cory Wine returned from a minor injury with a bang, going 6-11 in the first three games of the series. ... Michigan State second baseman Steve Gerstenberger continues to tear the cover off the ball, going 4-8 in the double-header.