Washington split a doubleheader against Penn State on May 8, taking the first game 5-4 and dropping the second 6-4. The Huskies now have a record of 22-28 overall and are 11-15 in Big Ten play.
The results of these games affect Washington’s standing as they continue their season. The team managed to secure a close win in the opener but could not repeat that result in the second matchup.
In game one, Washington took an early lead in the first inning and maintained it until Penn State hit a two-run home run in the fifth. The Huskies tied it up again in the seventh before Ethan Swidler hit a three-run home run in the eighth to regain control. Jackson Thomas pitched six innings, contributing significantly to the victory, while Tommy Brandenburg earned credit for the win and Carson Boesel recorded his first save of the year. Colton Bower returned from injury, starting as designated hitter and going two-for-two with two doubles.
Six out of nine hits by Washington were for extra bases, including Braeden Terry’s fourth triple of the year. In game two, Washington scored first but Penn State quickly tied it up and then built their lead over several innings. Jackson Hotchkiss narrowed Penn State’s advantage with his eighteenth home run of the season, tying him for seventh all-time for single-season home runs at Washington alongside Will Simpson (2023). Joe Wainhouse holds the record with nineteen homers set in 2018.
Despite another run on a sacrifice fly from Terry in game two’s sixth inning, Washington was unable to complete its comeback as Penn State added another run late to even up the series.
Washington has now recorded at least one home run in sixteen of its last eighteen games and has scored during the opening inning six times over its past seven contests. The team will aim to take this series when they return to play Saturday afternoon.
