Ball State University Athletics
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Baseball Falls To Purdue Wednesday In Tight 3-1 Contest
April 24, 2008 | Baseball
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Ball State baseball team lost 3-1 to Purdue Wednesday in a pitchers' duel at the Boilermakers' Lambert Field.
The Cardinals fell victim to a strong pitching performance from Purdue starter Tony Sedlemeyer, who allowed just one run on six hits in seven innings of work.
The Ball State pitching staff was also strong Wednesday. Five Cardinal pitchers combined to allow just five hits in the game.
Purdue, however, needed only one hit to score two fifth-inning runs and break open a 1-1 tie. A pair of walks and a catcher's interference call loaded the bases, and Purdue first baseman Ryne White singled to score two runs and give the Boilermakers a 3-1 lead.
The teams then combined for just three hits over the final four innings as Purdue (21-17) held on for the win.
Ball State (22-15) threatened to make things interesting in the ninth inning. A single from shortstop Dean Anna and a walk by first baseman Justin Rogers put runners on first and second base with one out. But Purdue closer Josh Lindblom secured the win for the Boilermakers by striking out the next two Ball State batters to end the game.
Anna and Rogers were two of six Cardinals to record a hit in the game. Center fielder Wayne Bond Jr. led Ball State with two hits, including his first triple of the season.
Bond's triple was the catalyst for Ball State in the first inning as the Cardinals jumped out to a 1-0 lead. Rogers singled Bond home to put the Cardinals on the scoreboard.
Ball State held onto its 1-0 advantage until the fourth inning when a solo home run from Purdue third baseman Dan Black knotted the score.
Black was one of five different Boilermakers who recorded one hit each.
Brad Piatt started on the mound for Ball State and allowed one run on just two hits in four innings of work. Aaron Hammons had a good outing in relief, pitching two innings without allowing a run or a hit.
Ball State now turns its attention back to Mid-American Conference play. The Cardinals will travel to Western Michigan this weekend for a three-game series starting Friday at 3 p.m.
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