Penn State baseball is 2-1 on Dollar Dog Nights this season and holds a 17-10 record. The fourth Dollar Dog Night of the campaign sets up a matchup between the Nittany Lions and Bucknell.
The Bison enter with an 11-15 record while riding a two-game losing streak after dropping a two-game set to Army.
The teams were supposed to square off last Wednesday, but the game was postponed due to anticipated cold weather. With temperatures expected around 50 degrees, this Dollar Dog Night will proceed as anticipated.
Penn State’s offense has woken up from its slumber, with multiple high-scoring games against Michigan. Recently, the Nittany Lions have been led by Cole Wagner and Ryan Weingartner.
Infielder Cole Wagner (15) swings during the Penn State baseball game against Michigan State at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Sunday, March 23, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions 10-5.
Wagner’s extra-base hit ability in the middle of the lineup has provided multiple RBI opportunities throughout the game. Wagner ranks toward the top of the team with eight doubles and holds a .294 batting average that’s been raised with his recent performances.
Weingartner has been a steady leadoff hitter. His 30 hits rank third on the team, showing his ability to reach base at the top of the order.
Penn State’s consistent lineup could prove difficult for Bucknell’s pitching staff.
Reliever Jonathan Adelmann has been one of the top pitchers for the Bison. Adelmann has a 2.11 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 11 appearances, limiting the number of base runners allowed.
Hadley Maxwell provides a 1-2 punch for this pitching duo that has both put up impressive numbers. Maxwell’s 3.44 ERA ranks second on the team among pitchers with significant innings pitched.
The two relievers could play a big factor in a potential upset over the Nittany Lions.
On the offensive side, outfielder John Calabrese has been unstoppable. The freshman has a team-high .459 batting average and a .592 on-base percentage, which means he’s reaching base on over half of his at-bats.
Pitcher Skip Shenosky (12) pitches the ball during the Penn State game against Pitt at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in University Park Pa. Nittany Lions lost to the Pitt Panthers 9-2.
Calabrese’s on-base consistency could cause problems for Penn State’s potential starter, Skip Shenosky.
Shenosky has found his groove lately. Not only is he pitching more innings, but he’s also limiting the number of runs crossing the plate. Shenosky went a season-high five innings in his most recent outing, allowing two runs but striking out four batters.
Another strong outing could propel Penn State to another Dollar Dog Night victory.
The Nittany Lions are battling for positioning in the Big Ten standings while also fighting for a potential spot in the NCAA Tournament, and another win would help the squad remain in contention for the big dance.
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