PREVIEW: Washington Huskies at Penn State Nittany Lions

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Interstat) — Washington visits Penn State on Saturday for the series finale between two struggling Big Ten programs, with the Huskies (21-28) seeking to build on a split in Friday’s doubleheader against the Nittany Lions (14-32).

Washington right-hander Jackson Thomas will take the mound for the Huskies. The junior has been dominant in his past two outings, allowing only two earned runs over 12 innings while striking out eight. In Friday’s 5-4 win over Penn State, Thomas threw 6.0 innings, allowing no hits and two earned runs with five strikeouts. He followed a 6.0-inning, two-hit, zero-earned-run performance against Oregon on May 1.

Penn State counters with sophomore Benjamin Hudson, who also pitched Friday. Hudson logged 5.0 innings in the Nittany Lions’ 6-4 win earlier in the day, surrendering seven hits and three earned runs with three strikeouts. He was effective against Oregon on April 25, throwing 6.0 shutout innings with five strikeouts.

The two teams played a split doubleheader Friday. In the opener, Penn State won 6-4, powered by left fielder Jackson Hotchkiss, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Relievers Liam Lierman (2.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K) and Bryce Johnson (1.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K) kept Washington within reach. In the nightcap, Washington won 5-4 behind Thomas’s strong start. For Penn State, relievers Mason Butash (3.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 K) and Mason Horwat (1.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K) combined for effective work after Hudson’s start.

Washington comes into the game having lost four of its past five, including a 4-3 defeat at Seattle on May 5. The Huskies have shown offensive firepower, scoring at least five runs in six of their past nine games.

Penn State has dropped five of its past six, with the lone win coming Friday against Washington. The Nittany Lions have been competitive in close games, with six of their past eight losses decided by two runs or fewer.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Washington win.

Washington continues its road trip next week, hosting UCLA for a three-game series starting May 14. Penn State travels to Pittsburgh on May 12 before a three-game set at Maryland beginning May 14.

First pitch is set for Saturday afternoon.