Bucknell at Penn State Baseball Scrimmage: Quick Preview & Questions

Quick Preview

The Nittany Lions finish up a two-team home fall scrimmage schedule against Bucknell on Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time. Penn State’s scrimmage against Team Ontario was canceled after one postponement and bad weather conditions for both scheduled days. We asked Bryan Portney about what to expect for the final scrimmage of the fall season.

Questions

Which position player has had the most unexpected fall season?

So far, I’m surprised by the increase in reps for IF/OF Mike Lucarelli. He was a highly-touted prospect in the Class of 2023 and didn’t see time this past spring, but if he can develop quickly it’ll be a fun upcoming season for him.

Which position player were you most concerned about after the first scrimmage?

Outfielder Paxton Kling went 0-for-4 with one strikeout against Saint Bonaventure, but it’s evident that he needs time in live action to develop before the spring. I’m only concerned because the level of competition will only increase and he’s supposed to help lead the charge.

What are your thoughts on Ryan Weingartner’s absence?

I’m certain that he’ll return soon, and it was good to see the Nittany Lions use their depth in the middle infield against Saint Bonaventure. He’s a good prospect, though, and his postseason experience with St. Joe’s should prove to be pivotal in the spring.

What are your thoughts on Cole Wagner so far?

He showed lots of power off the bat in the Saint Bonaventure scrimmage, with a flyout and a double that was a few feet away from a home run to right field. Coming from the SEC and bringing a .396 slugging percentage in his time with him, he’ll have some time after taking last year off.

What are your thoughts on Jesse Jaconski so far?

He was definitely the most impressive position player after being the only player to record a hit in both games. He’s shown his speed with a stolen base and went 3-for-4 overall, surpassing many expectations so far, but I’d like to see him expand on that against Bucknell.

Which pitcher has had the most unexpected fall season?

I was pleasantly surprised to see righthander Carson Renner strike out two batters while only allowing one hit in the scrimmage against Saint Bonaventure. His transition from Division II to power conference baseball should go smoother with the fall experience under his belt.

Which pitcher were you most concerned about after the first scrimmage?

Lefthander Anthony Steele is in his senior season, yet he is still struggling against lower competition. He had a rough summer in the Cape Cod League, and he needs to find his footing if he wants to be a leader on this team.

What are your thoughts on Frankie Sanchez’s absence?

He didn’t play against Saint Bonaventure, but neither was lefthander Ryan DeSanto or righthander Ben Shenosky. All three of those pitchers will find time playing in the spring, so it’s not a huge concern if they don’t play right now.

What are your thoughts on Ben DeMell so far?

He struck out three straight batters in a 1-2-3 inning and left no doubt in the Saint Bonaventure scrimmage, and it was good to see how quickly he took care of business. He’s definitely one of the pitchers that will have to step up in the spring with a crowded bullpen.

What are your thoughts on Chase Renner so far?

He was throwing in the 90 range consistency with his fastball, but his control faded away. He just came back from injury, and the months leading up to February will shape his role this year.

What’s the second best walk-up song you heard so far (besides “Unwritten”)?

Patrick Graham’s ‘Your Heart or Mine’ by Jon Pardi. A great melody goes great with a country flair.