HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – Purdue Baseball scored in each of the first four innings on a day in which the Boilermakers drew 14 free passes, defeating Niagara 6-4 to remain unbeaten on the season at 5-0.
Avery Cook closed out the game for the forth time in the first five contests, recording three strikeouts while accounting for a four-out save. He escaped a bases-loaded jam with a K in the eighth inning and struck out NU's No. 2 and 3 hitters while they represented the tying run in the ninth.
The Boilermakers nearly batted around three times over the first four innings, with a three-run bottom of the third proving to be the game-defining frame. CJ Richmond and Brandon Anderson teamed up for a hit-and-run single with one out in the inning, helping to set the stage for RBI from Avery Moore, Lukas Cook and Albert Choi.
Purdue's 11 walks and 14 free passes matched season highs from a year ago. Four of those base runners came around to score and a trio of bases-loaded walks helped extend innings.
Carter Doorn and Michael Vallone teamed up for another strong series-opening performance on the mound. Doorn (1-0) conceded just one earned run over five innings, striking out five. He worked a pair of 1-2-3 innings and retired seven of the final eight batters he faced. Vallone backed him up with 2 2/3 innings of effective relief, during which he did not surrender an extra-base hit.
In five career appearances at Ting Stadium in Holly Springs, Doorn has worked 11 2/3 innings of two-run ball, racking up 13 strikeouts vs. one walk.
Albert Choi proved to be a tough out for Niagara (0-4). Purdue's leadoff man reached base safely four times – all coming in the first five innings. He was hit by a pitch on a 3-2 count, quickly made third and scored on a sacrifice fly as the first out of the day the Purple Eagles recorded. He also drew bases-loaded walks in consecutive innings as the Boilers built their early lead.
Avery Moore and Anderson also reached base safely in three consecutive innings. Anderson came around to score all three times and Moore accounted for three of the 11 walks.
The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. ET.
Avery Cook closed out the game for the forth time in the first five contests, recording three strikeouts while accounting for a four-out save. He escaped a bases-loaded jam with a K in the eighth inning and struck out NU's No. 2 and 3 hitters while they represented the tying run in the ninth.
The Boilermakers nearly batted around three times over the first four innings, with a three-run bottom of the third proving to be the game-defining frame. CJ Richmond and Brandon Anderson teamed up for a hit-and-run single with one out in the inning, helping to set the stage for RBI from Avery Moore, Lukas Cook and Albert Choi.
Purdue's 11 walks and 14 free passes matched season highs from a year ago. Four of those base runners came around to score and a trio of bases-loaded walks helped extend innings.
Carter Doorn and Michael Vallone teamed up for another strong series-opening performance on the mound. Doorn (1-0) conceded just one earned run over five innings, striking out five. He worked a pair of 1-2-3 innings and retired seven of the final eight batters he faced. Vallone backed him up with 2 2/3 innings of effective relief, during which he did not surrender an extra-base hit.
In five career appearances at Ting Stadium in Holly Springs, Doorn has worked 11 2/3 innings of two-run ball, racking up 13 strikeouts vs. one walk.
Albert Choi proved to be a tough out for Niagara (0-4). Purdue's leadoff man reached base safely four times – all coming in the first five innings. He was hit by a pitch on a 3-2 count, quickly made third and scored on a sacrifice fly as the first out of the day the Purple Eagles recorded. He also drew bases-loaded walks in consecutive innings as the Boilers built their early lead.
Avery Moore and Anderson also reached base safely in three consecutive innings. Anderson came around to score all three times and Moore accounted for three of the 11 walks.
The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. ET.