March 30, 2001
Ben Quick put together a stellar pitching performance, and the Purdue offense combined for 13 hits as the Purdue baseball team defeated Michigan State, 7-2, for its second consecutive conference win. The Boilermakers improve to 8-14 overall, 2-2 in the Big Ten.
Quick pitched 7.1 innings, his strongest outing since an eight-inning, one run effort against Troy State on March 2. Against Michigan State, he gave up just three hits and allowed one earned run. Three of his strikeouts were two-strike pitches on the final out of the inning. One other inning pitched by Quick was ended on a double play. Billy Lester came on in relief, forcing a double play to end the eighth inning, and gave up an earned run in the ninth.
Offensive stars for the Boilermakers included Nate Sickler, who was a perfect 3-for-3, all three of his hits landing as doubles, Nick McIntyre, David Harrell and Kris Luce. McIntyre was 3-for-5, Harrell and Luce were both 2-for-5.
Purdue got on the scoreboard first in the second inning when catcher Harrell, making his first start in the fourth spot of the order, led off the inning with a single and later scored from second when John Gusich singled. Brad Kriner later added a base hit, as the Boilermakers got three hits in the second inning.
The Boilers showed some outstanding defense in the bottom of the second. With two runners on, first baseman Kris Luce ran up from his first base postion to convert a 3-5 putout on a sacrifice bunt attempt. On the very next at bat, the Spartans grounded out into a double play to end the inning.
Nick McIntyre extended his hit streak to seven games with base hit in the third inning, then hustled to second base on a throwing error by the centerfielder. McIntyre made a diving catch in right field for the first out of the third inning. The inning concluded with a Ben Quick strikeout.
Sickler, starting in the DH spot for the second time this season, led off the fourth inning with a double, his 12th of the season. Kris Luce reached on a fielder's choice, as Sickler was able to beat out a throw at shortstop. With runners on the corner, Sickler then scored on a wild pitch, Luce advanced to second. Luce advanced over to third when Luce grounded out to second base. After Mike Duursma walked, the Boilers showed off some smart baserunning. Duursma attempted to steal second, but the pitcher threw over to second base, creating a rundown. Duursma headed back to first. Luce started to advance home, attracting the second baseman to throw to third. The play ended with Luce safe at third and Duursma collecting a stolen base.
McIntyre added another base hit in the fifth inning, but was thrown out at second. Harrell hit a double down the left field line, then scored on Sickler's second double of the game. Sickler scored from second when Luce drilled a single through the left side.
The Boilers added one run in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. In the top of the seventh, Sickler added his third double on the day, then stole third and scored on a throwing error by the catcher. In the eighth inning, Gusich led off the inning and reached base after he was hit by a pitch. He stole second then reached third after Kriner grounded out to second base. Duursma laid down a bunt and was thrown out by the catcher at first base, leaving home plate open and scoring Gusich. Blomberg scored Purdue's final run in the ninth. He led off with a walk, then stole second. He advanced to third when Harrell reached base on a throwing error by the shortstop, then scored on a Luce single to centerfield.
The Boilermakers return to play two against the Spartans at Lansing's Oldsmobile Park. The first game will start at 1 p.m. Chadd Blasko and Dave Gassner are scheduled to pitch for the Boilermakers.
NOTES-Purdue's four stolen bases tied a season-high (at IUPUI on March 21) ... the 13 hits marks the 13th double-digit hit total of the season ... Purdue has collected 32 hits over its last two games ... with his three doubles today, Nate Sickler now has 52 career doubles, 10 away from setting a new school mark ... Nick McIntyre, leading the team with 33 hits, also leads the team with nine multi-hit games and is 7-10 in his last two games with two runs scored and four RBI ... Purdue turned two double plays for the ninth time this season ... the four hits allowed in the combined effort by Quick and Lester is the fewest hit total allowed this season ... it also marked the fifth time this season the Boilermakers have allowed just one earned run .