April 7, 1999
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue baseball team fell to 11-15 with a 23-7 loss to Ball State (15-8) on Wednesday in Muncie, Ind. It was the Boilers fourth straight defeat and their first loss at Ball State since 1992.
In a game that featured 14 pitchers, seven from both teams, the two teams combined for 33 hits, 10 walks and seven hit batsmen.
The Cardinals tied a school record with six home runs in the game, including three consecutive long balls in the sixth inning. Ball State posted back-to-back eight-run innings in the sixth and seventh.
At the heart of the Cardinal attack was right fielder Larry Bigbie, who hit two home runs and knocked in seven. First baseman Matt Wood also homered twice for Ball State, collecting four RBI.
For the Boilers, junior catcher Erik Frei hit his fourth home run of the year, a two-run shot to center field in the first inning. Sophomore outfielders Mike Rose and Nate Sickler had two hits apiece, while sophomore catcher Brandon Buck picked up his first collegiate hit. Junior left fielder Chris Walker reached base four times, scoring twice for Purdue.
Junior right-hander Jeremy Ballard (0-1) picked up the loss in only the second start of his career. He struck out three while allowing three earned runs in three innings.
Jason Hickman (2-1) picked up the victory for Ball State. The left-hander allowed one run in one inning of relief, striking out three.
Purdue returns to Big Ten action this weekend with a four-game series with Indiana on April 9-11 in Bloomington.