By Scott Traweek, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State won its fourth straight conference series last weekend as they took two crucial games out of three from Minnesota, moving into a three-way tie for third place in the Big Ten.

Both starting pitching and the art of manufacturing runs have been huge for the Nittany Lions throughout conference play and the series against the Golden Gophers was no different.  All three weekend starters had strong outings and in the two victories the offense was able to come up with big hits when it mattered most.  Penn State moved to 10-8 in the Big Ten after beginning the year 2-4.

The season thus far has been defined by highs and lows as the Nittany Lions began their journey with a harsh 17-game away stretch where they went 3-14 followed by an opening 2-1 conference series loss to Indiana and a 2-1 series loss to Purdue the following weekend.  Since then Penn State has won four-straight Big Ten series and is 17-5 in its last 22 games.

The Lions have been sharp of late as the mid-season turnaround has seen everything from dramatic walk-off hits to a number of pitching gems including a no-hitter by junior Steven Hill at Iowa.  With the middle of the conference standings jumbled, Penn State has to play at a consistently high level to make the post season.

The top six teams in the Big Ten will compete in the conference tournament and with two games separating seven teams from second place, every win is vital.  Barring a late breakdown, Purdue has virtually secured first place, which means those seven teams (Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota, Penn State, Ohio State, Nebraska and Illinois) are battling for the five remaining spots with Iowa, Michigan, and Northwestern barely hanging on at the bottom of the list.

The Nittany Lions have two more Big Ten series' left against Illinois and Michigan State, both of which are in the heat of the race.  As has been the case all year, pitching will be key.  Penn State's offense has been hot and cold, but the starting pitching has played consistently well for most of the season.  Each weekend starter has a sub-5.00 era, despite the rough start, and sophomore ace Joe Kurrasch boasts a dominant 2.06 era and a team-high 63 strikeouts.

Penn State looks to keep up the momentum this weekend as the team prepares for another important Big Ten series at home against the Illini.   It will be the last home stand for the Lions as the seniors say an emotional farewell to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. 

Big Ten Standings Update:

***Note records do not include all mid-week games***

Penn State Big Ten Series Schedule: