March 7, 2003
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Purdue baseball extended its winning streak to four games on Friday afternoon, defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 16-3. It is the third time in the last four games the Boilermakers have scored in double figures.
With the win, Purdue improves to 4-1 on the season while the Wildcats drop to 5-6.
Kentucky opened the scoring with a two-run first inning off Boilermaker starting pitcher Mitch Pruemer (1-0). However, it didn't take long for the Old Gold and Black to take control of the contest.
Two runs in the top of the second and one in the third pushed Purdue out in front with a 3-2 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish. Four runs in the fifth inning, five in the sixth and four more in the seventh built a 16-2 Purdue lead. Kentucky would answer with a single run in the bottom half of the seventh, but could muster no more.
John Manuel led the Boilermaker charge with a 4-5 effort at the plate, scoring three runs and driving in four. Simon Klink added four RBI, batting 3-4 with a run scored. Driving in two runs in the game for Purdue were Daniel Underwood, Brad Kriner and Mitch Koester.
Eight starters for the Purdue nine ended with multiple hits as Purdue unleashed a 21-hit attack, including four doubles. The Boilermakers have collected 20 two-base hits in five games this season.
Recording the win for Purdue was Mitch Pruemer, who pitched six innings with five strikeouts and allowing two runs on five hits.
Purdue returns to the diamond on Saturday against Kentucky for a 1 p.m. game.