April 2, 1999
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue baseball team evened its record at 11-11 with a 6-4 victory over No. 30 Minnesota (16-7) on Friday at Lambert Field. It was the first Big Ten game of the season for both teams.
The Boilers took an early lead with three runs in the first inning on a three-run home run to left field by senior first baseman Ryan Cole. The home run was Cole's sixth on the season, and it extended his hitting streak to 16 games.
With a run in the second and one in the sixth, the Golden Gophers cut the Purdue lead to 4-2. Minnesota followed with two runs in the second to tie the game. Purdue starter Russ Morgan retired the first two hitters in the inning, but Minnesota catcher Jeremy Negen reached on an error to keep the inning alive. Morgan walked the next batter and then allowed consecutive RBI singles to second baseman Matt Brosseau and right fielder Jason Kennedy.
The Boilers took the lead for good in the eighth inning. Junior Daryl Hallada led off the inning with his team-leading 14th double of the year, extending his hitting streak to 13 games. Junior Erik Frei followed with an RBI double down the left field line to put the Boilers up by one. After Cole reached on a single, senior pinch hitter Todd Ellinger was intentionally walked, loading the bases. Senior Brad Brown was then hit by a pitch, forcing Frei home with Purdue sixth and final run.
Morgan lasted 6-2/3 innings, allowing only two earned runs while striking out four. Sophomore Carlos Gomez picked up his first collegiate victory, with 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.
The Boilers host a doubleheader with the Golden Gophers at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Lambert Field. The first game may start early, depending on the weather.