Penn State Baseball Weekly Summer Report (Week of July 14-20)

The summer ball season is starting to wind down, but this week saw the bats heat up. One player went yard, while another recorded five hits in one game. Plus, there was some big news regarding the MLB Draft signing period. For the biggest storylines of the week and player honors, read below.

Molinaro Returns to Happy Valley

When third baseman Bryce Molinaro was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 17th round of the MLB Draft this week, goodbyes were being prepared. Imagine the shock, then, when he announced his return to Penn State for 2026 via his Instagram and X accounts on Friday. With 24 home runs over two seasons and stellar fielding abilities at the hot corner, Molinaro will play an important role in crafting next year’s roster.

Weingartner Signs With Cardinals

As one player stays, another one goes as shortstop Ryan Weingartner has signed with the Saint Louis Cardinals. Weingartner was selected by the Cardinals with the 240th pick. As a Top 250 draft prospect, it seemed like the most sense for a player like him to look for a shot to go pro after three solid years of college ball.

Big Ten Transfer Portal Update

As the second summer transfer window winds down, it’s time to look at how the conference as a whole has performed with collegiate additions as Rutgers has the best incoming transfer class in the Big Ten, according to 64Analytics. The conference has six teams in the Top 50 of the class rankings. As for Penn State, they rank 43rd in the nation and fourth in the Big Ten.

Smith Goes Off in Five-Hit Day

Catcher Avery Smith didn’t waste his opportunity at the limelight, going 5-for-6 at the plate for the Burlington Sock Puppets in a tiebreaker win over the Greeneville Flyboys on Saturday. His most hits in a single game this summer contributed to a two-RBI effort with a double to boot. Despite getting limited action, Smith is proving why he deserves a larger role for the Sock Puppets this summer and the Nittany Lions this upcoming fall.

Player of the Week: SS Preston Yaucher (Burlington Sock Puppets, Appalachian)

Yaucher took home another weekly honor after hitting a home run in five games this week. His seven runs driven in led all Nittany Lion bats for the week in that category, plus his 28 RBIs all summer ranks second for the Sock Puppets. With a .409 batting average and a .682 slugging percentage during the five-game stretch, Yaucher continues his audition for a crowded infield room for the fall.

Pitcher of the Week: RHP Carson Renner (Bristol Blues, NECBL)

Following another week of clean baseball, Renner takes home the weekly award for his lone appearance. He pitched one scoreless frame in a 9-2 win over the Upper Valley Nighthawks on Saturday. Leading the Blues in appearances this season with 11, Renner will look to be a key piece during the team’s playoff run.

Question of the Week: What’s the infield situation with Molinaro staying?

With Kevin Karstetter joining the squad from reigning Division II national champion Tampa, the Nittany Lions now have a great problem on their hands. Pair that with the return of heavy-hitting Bryce Molinaro, as both players have spent lots of time at the third baseman spot. With Molinaro’s fielding skills and Karstetter’s experience at other positions, it’s likely that Bryce will stay at the hot corner with Karstetter taking a hack at designated hitter.