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Hawkeyes Hold Off Penn State in Series OpenerHawkeyes Hold Off Penn State in Series Opener
Softball

Hawkeyes Hold Off Penn State in Series Opener

The University of Iowa softball team defeated Penn State, 2-1, in game one of the three-game series on Saturday evening at Bob Pearl Field.

Opens in a new window Box Score (PDF)
Box Score
IOWA CITY, Iowa - The University of Iowa softball team defeated Penn State, 2-1, in game one of the three-game series on Saturday evening at Bob Pearl Field.
Junior Jalen Adams (19-5) got her 23rd start of the season and threw her 14th complete game, fanning three. Sophomore Jena Young and junior Avery Jackson recorded the Hawkeyes only two hits of the game with Jackson picking up an RBI and run scored.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams had one runner reach via walk in the first inning, but neither made it past first base. 
Penn State started the second inning with a double to left center. A sac bunt advanced the runner to third, and an RBI single brought home the Nittany Lions lone run. Iowa managed to get two runners on in the bottom of the inning but were unable to get on the board. 
Adams retired the Nittany Lions in order for the first time in the third inning. The Hawkeyes threatened to score in the home half of the third. Young led off with a single up the middle, and Echo Mattiello and Tory Bennett reached via walk to load the bases with one out. Penn State picked up an out at home and a strike out looking to end the inning. 
In the bottom of the fourth, Devin Simon reached on a one out walk and came around to score on an RBI double from Jackson to tie the game, 1-1. Young reached base on a walk, to put runners on the corners for Iowa. The Hawkeyes pulled off the double steal, to take the lead, 2-1, as Jackson crossed home. 
Adams retired Penn State in order in the fifth and sixth innings picking up two strikeouts. Despite a one out double in the top of the seventh by the Nittany Lions, Adams secured the win highlighted by a diving grab by Young for the final out.
Iowa finished the game with two runs on two hits. Penn State had one run on two hits.
NOTABLES
  • Ramos is third all time at Iowa for being hit by a pitch (14).
  • Adams ranks third in the Big Ten for complete games with 14.
  • This was Iowa's 10th win on Saturday this season. 
  • Jackson has reached base in the last nine games.

UP NEXT
Iowa (26-16, 8-6) hosts Penn State for game two of the three-game series at Bob Pearl Field on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 11 am CT and will be streamed on B1G+ ($). Tickets are available for $7 for adults, and youth 18 and under are free. More ticketing information can be found on Hawkeyesports.com.