HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – Purdue Baseball scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, and Cam Thompson cranked a walk-off homer in the 11th to complete a 6-5 come-from-behind victory over Longwood Sunday afternoon at Ting Stadium. With the incredible win, the Boilermakers (12-0) swept the Lancers (3-9) and stayed unbeaten on the 2022 campaign.
Troy Viola kept Purdue alive in the ninth. The third baseman's 2-out RBI double plated two of his teammates to tie the game at 5-5 and send the game into extras. Along with his walk-off blast, Thompson went 3-for-4 with a team-high three runs and two RBI. Mike Bolton Jr. added a three-hit game as well at the top of the order.
The game stayed scoreless through the first six innings, as Wyatt Wendell went into cruise mode. He got through the top of the first unscathed before retiring 16 straight batters into the seventh inning. However, the streak ended when he hit a Lancer. A base hit by Hunter Gilliam put two Lancers on and lifted Wendell from the ballgame. A single to right field broke the scoreless tie and gave Longwood a 1-0 advantage. Purdue got two runners into scoring position in the bottom half of the inning, but could not get a run across the plate as the Lancers remained in front.
Longwood broke open the tight game with a 3-run eighth, and Purdue got one of the runs back in the bottom of the frame. Gilliam increased the Lancers' lead back to four with a solo shot in the ninth.
Despite the deficit, the Boilermakers fought back. Thompson started the scoring with an RBI single to left field before a sac fly by Sam Franco made it a 5-3 ballgame. That left runners on first and second with two outs for Viola. The Purdue third baseman worked the count full. Down to his final strike and the Boilermakers' final out, the senior delivered with a double to left field. Both baserunners crossed the dish, bringing Purdue all the way back from down four to force extra innings, 5-5.
Khal Stephen (2-0) kept Longwood off the board with a pair of scoreless frames, setting the stage for Thompson's heroics in the bottom of the 11th. Facing an 0-1 count against submarine pitcher JR Parrish, the first baseman belted a deep fly to left-center field. The blast was a no-doubter as two Longwood outfielders just turned their heads and watched the ball sail over the fence, securing the improbable comeback victory.
After eight games over 10 days in North Carolina, the Boilermakers return home for their first games at Alexander Field. Purdue welcomes Bellarmine for a weekend set (March 11-13).
Troy Viola kept Purdue alive in the ninth. The third baseman's 2-out RBI double plated two of his teammates to tie the game at 5-5 and send the game into extras. Along with his walk-off blast, Thompson went 3-for-4 with a team-high three runs and two RBI. Mike Bolton Jr. added a three-hit game as well at the top of the order.
The game stayed scoreless through the first six innings, as Wyatt Wendell went into cruise mode. He got through the top of the first unscathed before retiring 16 straight batters into the seventh inning. However, the streak ended when he hit a Lancer. A base hit by Hunter Gilliam put two Lancers on and lifted Wendell from the ballgame. A single to right field broke the scoreless tie and gave Longwood a 1-0 advantage. Purdue got two runners into scoring position in the bottom half of the inning, but could not get a run across the plate as the Lancers remained in front.
Longwood broke open the tight game with a 3-run eighth, and Purdue got one of the runs back in the bottom of the frame. Gilliam increased the Lancers' lead back to four with a solo shot in the ninth.
Despite the deficit, the Boilermakers fought back. Thompson started the scoring with an RBI single to left field before a sac fly by Sam Franco made it a 5-3 ballgame. That left runners on first and second with two outs for Viola. The Purdue third baseman worked the count full. Down to his final strike and the Boilermakers' final out, the senior delivered with a double to left field. Both baserunners crossed the dish, bringing Purdue all the way back from down four to force extra innings, 5-5.
Khal Stephen (2-0) kept Longwood off the board with a pair of scoreless frames, setting the stage for Thompson's heroics in the bottom of the 11th. Facing an 0-1 count against submarine pitcher JR Parrish, the first baseman belted a deep fly to left-center field. The blast was a no-doubter as two Longwood outfielders just turned their heads and watched the ball sail over the fence, securing the improbable comeback victory.
After eight games over 10 days in North Carolina, the Boilermakers return home for their first games at Alexander Field. Purdue welcomes Bellarmine for a weekend set (March 11-13).