University of Minnesota Athletics
BB: Gophers Drop Opener to Purdue, 5-2
4/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Golden Gophers struck first in the top of the second inning as Jake Elder knocked a solo homerun to right-center field, his fourth round-tripper on the year.
Gopher starting pitcher Matt Loberg kept the Boilermakers in check until the bottom of the fourth inning, when John Hunter and Spencer Ingaldson both singled to start off the inning. After a sacrifice bunt advanced both runners, Eric Osborn hit a sacrifice fly to center, and Hunter scored Purdue’s first run of the game. The Boilermakers took the lead soon afterwards as Andy Dahl singled to center, scoring Ingaldson from second.
The Gophers tied the game at two in the top of the sixth inning as Andy Hunter singled to right field, scoring Mike Mee from second base.
The Gopher's excitement was short lived however, as the Boilermakers scored two runs in the bottom half of the inning. After John Hunter singled to start off the inning, Neal Gorka hit one over the left- center field wall, giving Purdue the lead.
After a leadoff double by Tyler Heck, a single by Mitch Hilligoss and Mike Coles reaching on an error, the bases were loaded with the Boilermakers trying to extend their lead. Andy Peters was brought in out of the bullpen and quickly struck out the first batter he faced. After a bizzare play, where the Boilermaker on second base tried to steal third, yet the runner on third stayed put, the Gophers were able to record the second out of the inning. Purdue was, however, able to muster one run in the inning after an uncharacteristic error by third baseman David Hrncirik.
Despite the loss, Loberg dominated at times, striking out five Boilermakers in six innings of work. Peters also had a solid day, striking out two of the seven batters he faced
The Golden Gophers will continue the series with a doubleheader against the Boilermakers on Saturday, April 30, starting at 1 p.m. The series finale is scheduled for Sunday, May 1, with a noon start time.
Saturday’s first game will be webcast on gophersports.com for the first hour of the game, and will then be picked-up in progress on WMGT 1220. The second game of the doubleheader will also be broadcast on WMGT. The first hour of Sunday's game will be webcast on gophersports.com, and will then be broadcast by WMGT.
