COLUMBUS, Ohio – Connor Caskenette connected for a two-out, two-run homer in the first inning but Ohio State turned 15 hits into eight unanswered runs, taking the series opener vs. Purdue Baseball 8-2 Friday.
The Buckeyes (11-11, 1-0 Big Ten) had a base runner in every inning and scored in four of the first five frames, opening up a 7-2 advantage in the process. Led by a four-hit night from Nick Giamarutsti in the 7-hole, the bottom third of the OSU lineup was a combined 8-for-12 with four extra-base hits, four RBI and six runs scored.
As the fourth batter of the game, Caskenette hit an opposite-field blast to right with Luke Gaffney aboard for his team-leading sixth home run of the season. Caskenette also tied Gaffney for the Big Ten lead in RBI (33).
But the Boilermakers (16-11, 1-3 Big Ten) were unable to record multiple hits in an inning against OSU lefthander Landon Beidelschies (3-4), who struck out seven while limiting the visitors to five hits over seven innings.
Gaffney posted his team-leading 14th multi-hit game, highlighted by a double down the right field line in the eighth inning. It was his 10th two-bagger of the season, making the redshirt freshman the fourth fastest Boilermaker to reach the benchmark since 2001.
Camden Gasser was kept off base for the first time this season, ending his on-base streak at 24 consecutive games. It was Purdue's fifth longest season-opening streak since 2001.
STREAKS EXTENDED
• Jo Stevens – 13-game on-base streak; 7-game on-base streak in Big Ten play (since 5/18/23)
• Mike Bolton Jr. – 10-game on-base streak in Big Ten play (since 4/29/23); 6-game on-base streak in all games
Third baseman Jo Stevens made an excellent catch reaching over the fence near the third base dugout in the seventh inning. Stevens' momentum carried him into the gate in the fence, which popped open on contact. With runners on second and third on the play, the umpires ruled Stevens briefly left the field of play in what was deemed a catch and carry. That allowed the runner from third base to score.
Davis Pratt matched his season high with five strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings of effective relief. The only run he was charged with scored on the unique call on Stevens' catch. Purdue only had two use two pitchers on the night thanks to Pratt's outing.
The Boilermakers lost for the sixth time in their last seven games. They conceded at least 12 hits for the fourth consecutive games, surrendering 56 total hits over the last 34 innings on the mound. Purdue has also given up 10-plus hits eight of the last 10 games, with the pitching staff sporting a .319 batting average against during that stretch.
Game 2 of the series has been moved up to a noon ET first pitch.
The Buckeyes (11-11, 1-0 Big Ten) had a base runner in every inning and scored in four of the first five frames, opening up a 7-2 advantage in the process. Led by a four-hit night from Nick Giamarutsti in the 7-hole, the bottom third of the OSU lineup was a combined 8-for-12 with four extra-base hits, four RBI and six runs scored.
As the fourth batter of the game, Caskenette hit an opposite-field blast to right with Luke Gaffney aboard for his team-leading sixth home run of the season. Caskenette also tied Gaffney for the Big Ten lead in RBI (33).
But the Boilermakers (16-11, 1-3 Big Ten) were unable to record multiple hits in an inning against OSU lefthander Landon Beidelschies (3-4), who struck out seven while limiting the visitors to five hits over seven innings.
Gaffney posted his team-leading 14th multi-hit game, highlighted by a double down the right field line in the eighth inning. It was his 10th two-bagger of the season, making the redshirt freshman the fourth fastest Boilermaker to reach the benchmark since 2001.
Camden Gasser was kept off base for the first time this season, ending his on-base streak at 24 consecutive games. It was Purdue's fifth longest season-opening streak since 2001.
STREAKS EXTENDED
• Jo Stevens – 13-game on-base streak; 7-game on-base streak in Big Ten play (since 5/18/23)
• Mike Bolton Jr. – 10-game on-base streak in Big Ten play (since 4/29/23); 6-game on-base streak in all games
Third baseman Jo Stevens made an excellent catch reaching over the fence near the third base dugout in the seventh inning. Stevens' momentum carried him into the gate in the fence, which popped open on contact. With runners on second and third on the play, the umpires ruled Stevens briefly left the field of play in what was deemed a catch and carry. That allowed the runner from third base to score.
Davis Pratt matched his season high with five strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings of effective relief. The only run he was charged with scored on the unique call on Stevens' catch. Purdue only had two use two pitchers on the night thanks to Pratt's outing.
The Boilermakers lost for the sixth time in their last seven games. They conceded at least 12 hits for the fourth consecutive games, surrendering 56 total hits over the last 34 innings on the mound. Purdue has also given up 10-plus hits eight of the last 10 games, with the pitching staff sporting a .319 batting average against during that stretch.
Game 2 of the series has been moved up to a noon ET first pitch.