May 20, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Scott Byrnes dominated the Indiana lineup for eight innings and Purdue's offense used two effective innings to post a 5-1 win over the Hoosiers in Friday's series opener at Sembower Field.
The victory boosted the Boilermakers' record to 23-27 overall and 15-10 in the Big Ten Conference, keeping Purdue's hopes of claiming its first conference crown since 1909 alive.
Byrnes went 8.1 innings on the hill, yielding one run and seven hits while striking out four Hoosier batters. Chris Toneguzzi threw the final two outs to earn his fifth save of the season.
Purdue struck against IU starter Josh Lewis in the fourth inning with three runs to grab the early lead. Spencer Ingaldson led off by reaching base on an error by the shortstop. With two down, Tyler Heck singled and was followed by a base hit from Dane Wolfe, scoring Ingaldson from second. Mitch Hilligoss doubled down the left field line to plate two more runs for a 3-0 Boilermaker advantage.
In the seventh, Hilligoss singled and swiped second base before Mike Coles drew a free pass. A sacrifice bunt by Eric Wolfe moved both runners into scoring position, and Ingaldson singled to score Hilligoss and Coles with the foufth and fifth runs of the game.
Byrnes ran into trouble in the ninth, allowing four hits and a run with one down before Toneguzzi came to the mound. The junior closer coaxed a fly out before a three-pitch strikeout ended the game and the Boilermaker win.
Hilligoss led the Boilermakers at the dish with three hits and three stolen bases. Also picking up two hits in the game were Ingaldon, Eric Osborn and Dane Wolfe.
Purdue and Indiana (25-28, 8-21) return to Sembower Field on Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader. Both contests can be heard on AM 1410 WLAS in the Lafayette area and via the internet at www.purduesports.com.