As the flags out in centerfield at Illinois’ Eichelberger Field flapped continuously Saturday, the Penn State bats did the same, continuously swinging at Illini pitches.

In a series that appeared more like a Home Run Derby for both teams, the Nittany Lions split the four-game bout between host Illinois, scoring 43 runs in four games.

“I think we were comfortable at the plate,” catcher Joe Blackburn said. “We were coming off of a win streak where everybody was hitting in a groove, and we just kept things rolling. Our offense really showed up for all four games this weekend.”

Saturday’s 16-5 romp was a capsule of the weekend for the Lion’s offense. First baseman Cory Wine and left fielder Scott Kelley each hit two home runs, while Rob Yodice and Rick Marlin blasted homers of their own.

Every Lion registered a hit, and all but two players had at least one RBI. The 16 runs put up by Penn State (19-23, 10-10 Big Ten) during Saturday’s game was more than enough for starting pitcher Mike Wanamaker.

The junior tossed his third complete game of the season, allowing 10 hits and four runs, while striking out five batters. Wanamaker’s outing was the only bright spot for either pitching staff over the weekend, however, particularly for the Illini.

Saturday’s Illini starter, Aaron Martin, was embarrassed on the hill, giving up 12 runs in just five innings.

The Illini pitching staff came into this weekend’s series next to last in the conference in strikeouts and did nothing to improve upon their standing over the four games.

“I definitely don’t wanna say their pitching was weak,” Blackburn said, “but we’ve definitely seen better in the Big Ten. Our hitters weren’t exactly swinging for the fences, but guys were going up there and getting good contact on almost every pitch.”

In Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader, Penn State starter T.J. Macy picked up his first Big Ten win, despite getting into a number of jams on the mound.

The junior lasted five innings, allowing five runs while striking out two.

But despite the offensive surge by the Lions this weekend, following yesterday’s series finale there was still one concern on the minds of the players — consistency.

“It’s a little bit of a concern for us right now,” Blackburn said. “We know we almost always pitch well, and our bats come alive, but it seems to be at different times. The good news is that we know we can do both with the best in the Big Ten.

“We’re definitely in a good position right now, though.”