March 9, 2003
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Purdue baseball team was unable to prevent the big inning, dropping a 7-1 game with the Kentucky Wildcats at Cliff Hagan Stadium in Lexington, Ky., on Sunday. With the loss, Purdue falls to 4-3 while Kentucky's record moves to 7-6.
Purdue answered a one-run Kentucky first inning with a single run in the second to tie the game. However, the Wildcats were able to plate four runs in the third inning to grab a 5-1 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish.
Trailing 1-0 entering the second inning, Brad Kriner singled to drive in John Manuel with the Boilermakers first run, tying the game 1-1. The run by Manuel would be the only run scored by the Old Gold and Black.
In the third inning, Kentucky's Brad Pickrell delivered a two-out, bases-loaded double to score three runs and build the Wildcats' lead at the end of the frame to 5-1. Kentucky would add two runs in the seventh.
Purdue's starting pitcher, Luke Howard, was hit with the loss (1-1), pitching 2.2 innings and allowing five runs.
At the plate, Nick McIntyre and Simon Klink each collected two hits, as the Boilermakers had nine as a team. Kentucky had 12 hits during the contest.
Purdue returns to the road next weekend for three games against Middle Tennessee State, beginning a six-game road trip during Purdue's spring break.