It takes just three outs to end each inning. But in the fourth inning in Game 2 of yesterday's doubleheader, Penn State pitcher Mike Lorentson basically had to earn six of them.
What started as three routine ground balls ended each time with a safe Lehigh runner, as a costly Nittany Lion error prolonged the Mountain Hawks' trip to the plate.
Lehigh had the bases loaded. Penn State had yet to record an out, and held a slim and vulnerable two-run lead. The pressure was on for Lorentson.
Three batters later, following back-to-back strikeouts and a pop fly to the pitcher's mound, Lorentson had responded to the pressure and kept the Hawks off the scoreboard -- leading Penn State to a 2-0 victory after the Lions dropped Game 1, 3-1.
Lorenston pitched six shutout innings, as Penn State took two of three from visiting Lehigh. It was the Lions' first series win of the season.
"Mike did a great job, and one thing I told him about was hitting his spots," Penn State coach Robbie Wine said. "He followed through with it, and got us into the sixth inning and most importantly was able to set up a save opportunity."
Lorentson pitched the Lions to their first shutout of the season, allowing just three hits and recording three strikeouts. While the Lehigh bats were held silent, Penn State jumped out early on pitcher Andrew Berger.
After shortstop Lou Picconi blasted a single into centerfield, advancing Wes Borden to third, center fielder Brian Ernst arrived at the plate.
He didn't even need to swing the bat, as Berger's fastball got past his catcher, and rolled to the backstop, allowing Borden to sprint down the third baseline and reach home safely.
The Lions added another run from first baseman Cory Wine to go up 2-0, giving Lorentson an early cushion.
"It definitely helps raise your confidence," Lorentson said. "Unfortunately you've gotta go out there and pitch your game no matter what the score is, but it sure does help having some run support behind you."
By the time Game 2 had started, most of the fans in the stands had gone. The few who remained, however, were tucked in one section near third base, the only area where the sun still shone down and provided some warmth.
When the sun did cover the field, Penn State's Mike Wanamaker took the mound in the first contest and soon became ensconced in a pitcher's duel. Wanamaker went seven solid innings, and pitched the Lions to a 1-1 tie heading into the ninth.
Reliever Drew O'Neil came in after Lehigh loaded the bases, but couldn't escape unscathed, as the Hawks scored two runs for the win.
Notes: Penn State reliever and backup Penn State quarterback Paul Cianciolo pitched one inning in relief during Friday's win. He allowed no hits and just one baserunner.
