Gophers Gear Up for a Thrilling Showdown with Penn State at Siebert Field
Dates: April 4-6, 2024
Location: Siebert Field, Minneapolis
Streaming: B1G+
Get ready, sports fans! The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball team is primed to host the Penn State Nittany Lions for an electrifying three-game series from April 4 to April 6 at the picturesque Siebert Field. With both teams hungry for victory, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the Gophers aim to reclaim their momentum in the Big Ten Conference.
Series Schedule
Friday, April 4
- Matchup: Minnesota vs. Penn State
- First Pitch: 4 p.m. CT (Note the time change!)
- Gopher Starter: Cole Selvig (2-3, 33.2 IP, 28 SO)
- Nittany Lion Starter: Ryan DeSanto (5-1, 31.1 IP, 37 SO)
Saturday, April 5
- Matchup: Minnesota vs. Penn State
- First Pitch: 3 p.m. CT
- Gopher Starter: Kyle Remington (0-5, 33.2 IP, 29 SO)
- Nittany Lion Starter: Mason Horwat (4-2, 26.1 IP, 13 SO)
Sunday, April 6
- Matchup: Minnesota vs. Penn State
- First Pitch: 1 p.m. CT
- Gopher Starter: Justin Thorsteinson (1-2, 25.2 IP, 31 SO)
- Nittany Lion Starter: Logan Olson (0-1, 4.2 IP, 4 SO)
A Look Back: Last Time Out
The Gophers faced a challenging series against Iowa, suffering a 3-0 series defeat on March 27-28. The tough stretch included a 16-7 loss on Thursday, a 13-0 shutout in game one on Friday, and a nail-biting 7-6 setback in the second game of the doubleheader. The team is eager to bounce back and prove their resilience on home turf.
Scouting the Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions come into this series with an offensively potent lineup, anchored by junior Paxton Kling. With an impressive slash line of .345/.689/.417 and 11 home runs, Kling is certainly a player to watch. On the mound, the formidable Ryan DeSanto leads the Nittany Lions with a stellar 5-1 record across 31.1 innings pitched, showcasing a slender but effective arsenal.
The Nittany Lions are helmed by Mike Gambino, who has instilled a competitive spirit in his second year as head coach after a successful thirteen-season tenure at Boston College. Expect Gambino’s strategies to make this matchup even more compelling!
Historical Rivalry: Gophers vs. Nittany Lions
The rivalry between the Gophers and Nittany Lions dates back to 1992, adding a rich tapestry of history to each encounter. The most recent series in 2024 saw the Gophers emerging victorious with a 2-1 series win at University Park, PA. The anticipation for this matchup is heightened as both teams eye the potential to claim dominance.
Looking Ahead: What’s on Deck?
Following this intense three-game series, the Gophers will host South Dakota State on April 8 and St. Thomas on April 9 for two midweek clashes, before making their way to Ohio State for another critical Big Ten Series from April 11-13.
Stay connected with all things Gopher baseball! For the latest updates, insights, and game recaps, follow the team online at GopherSports.com, and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
As the Gophers prepare to take the field against the Nittany Lions, don’t miss your chance to witness an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship that is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats!
