March 29, 2002
Box Score
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue dropped its Big Ten opener, a 1-0 pitcher's dual at Penn State, halting its four-game win streak.
Nittany Lions hurler Mike Watson limited the Boilermakers to six hits for a complete game victory.
Boilermaker starter Chadd Blasko tossed a complete game, his first of the 2002 season, striking out six while walking just one, but took the tough loss. The reigning Big Ten Pitcher Of The Week has allowed just one earned run and one walk in his last 16.0 innings pitched while striking out 21.
Penn State scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the seventh. Arin Gelletly led off the frame with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Doug Rodio. Adam Warchal then singled to right and advanced to second when Gellety was gunned down at the plate. The next batter for the Nittany Lions, Matt Harter, singled to right, scoring Warchal from second to give PSU the 1-0 lead in what proved to be the final margin.
Nick McIntyre had two hits for Purdue, extending his hitting streak to seven games. The second baseman also swiped a career-high two bases in the contest. Andy Rempel also extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single. Adam Fazio, John Gusich and Simon Klink also had hits for the Boilermakers.
Purdue pitchers have allowed just four earned runs in the last 44.0 innings, spanning five games. Boilermaker hurlers have allowed only 25 hits and a remarkable three walks with 39 strikeouts during that stretch.
The Boilermakers and Nittany Lions resume their four-game series on Saturday afternoon with a pair of seven-inning contests beginning at 1 p.m. (ET).
Additional Game Notes
-Purdue was shutout for the first time this season. The last time the Boilermakers were held scoreless was on April 28, 2001, a 2-0 loss to Indiana. Chadd Blasko suffered the loss in the game.
-Nick McIntyre and Andy Rempel each extended their hitting streaks to seven games while Adam Fazio has hit safely in his last five games and John Gusich his last four contests.
-McIntyre's two stolen bases are a new career high. He had recorded one steal in a game eleven times.
-Purdue dropped its Big Ten opener for the second consecutive season.
Purdue 000 000 000 - 0 6 1
PSU 000 000 10x - 1 8 0
W: Watson (4-2), L: Blasko (2-3).