By Jeff Sattora, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball struggled all night long and was never able to get in an offensive rhythm as they fell at home Friday night in the first game of a three game series 4-1 to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Nittany Lions got off to a strong start in the first on both the offensive and defensive side of the field.  Following a strong 1, 2, 3 inning for Penn State starter Joe Kurrasch, the offense was able to do damage of their own. 

With two outs in the first Joey DeBernardis was able to put a good mark on the ball to double and get things going.  That's when Jordan Steranka did his job in the batter's box as he singled to bring DeBernardis home and put the Lions up 1-0.

The Nittany Lions avoided major trouble in the second inning as the Buckeyes were able to load the bases with no outs due to a wild Joe Kurrasch.  Following a walk by Kurrasch bringing in a run to tie the game at one, the Penn State defense was able to get a line-out followed by a double play to get out of the inning safe. 

After the eventful first two innings this game turned into a pitcher's duel the rest of the way. 

Joe Kurrasch did solid work throughout the night for Penn State as he went six and two third innings of four hit ball, only allowing one run for the Buckeyes. 

The eighth inning is when offense finally broke through as Ohio State was able to pull together a two-out rally to put the Buckeyes up.  A two out single put Ohio State up one, then two bases loaded walks back to back gave the Buckeyes a 4-1 lead, which they never gave up.

The Lions were never able to get in a rhythm and come back due to a strong pitching performance by the Buckeyes Jarron Long, who went eight innings for the win.

Despite the tough loss the Nittany Lions know they have to come right back ready to go.

"Tomorrow is a new day," said Jordan Steranka following the loss.

"That was a good college ball game," added head coach Robbie Wine on a positive note.  "They stuck to their plan, we stuck to ours."

The Nittany Lions will get ready to face Ohio State twice more this weekend and bounce back with that plan as they will play tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 pm at Medlar Field, then again Sunday at the same time and place.