May 9, 2008
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The grey skies and drizzle made the overall day look dreary but the day was no better on the diamond as the Purdue baseball team lost 6-1 to the Michigan State Spartans in the weekend series opener at Lambert Field.
The loss marked the first time the Boilermakers lost in Game One of a Big Ten series, having posted a 6-0 series-opening record entering the weekend with sophomore starter Matt Bischoff on the hill.
Bischoff (4-3) allowed just two runs in eight innings on only six hits. The right-hander struck out one and did not walk a batter in the loss.
Purdue's bullpen was hit for four runs in the ninth inning, blowing open a 2-1 contest. Andy Loomis and Josh Lindblom allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk before Allan Donato recorded the inning's final out.
The Boilermakers scored its lone run of the game in the first inning off MSU starter Mike Monterey (3-3). The run, an unearned score, crossed the plate on a fielder's choice that was thrown away on an attempted turn for a doubleplay, allowing Brandon Haveman to score.
Purdue would only get two more runners safely to third base the remainder of the game against Monterey, who pitched a complete game for the win. The Boilermakers have now lost four consecutive Big Ten games, all complete games by Purdue's opposing starting pitchers.
The Boilermakers and Spartans return to Lambert Field on Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
Saturday's twinbill will honor Purdue baseball alumni, with former Boilermakers dating back to the 1940s expected to be on hand for the games. The doubleheader will also serve to raise awareness for prostate cancer. The Boilermakers will don blue shirts under their uniform jerseys and blue wristbands, and fans can purchase blue Purdue t-shirts from the gift stand for $10 each, with proceeds going to a cancer research organization.