On Saturday, the Purdue Northwest baseball team faced off against Wayne State University for games two and three of a four game series where the Pride would drop both by a score of 0-3 and 3-8.
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The Basics
•   Records: Purdue Northwest (17-28), Wayne State (29-18)
•   Location: Detroit, Michigan
•   GLIAC conference doubleheader game.
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The Breakdown
GAME ONE – L (3-8) 7 Innings
- Sam Ochoa started on the mound for Purdue Northwest throwing six innings while striking out six.
- Drew Hill led Wayne State with a hit and an RBI.
- Karter Fitzpatrick started and threw seven innings, striking out seven for the Warriors.
- The game started off with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess, holding each other scoreless through the first few innings. However, Wayne State managed to break the deadlock in the 5th inning when Tuccinardi's sacrifice fly to right field allowed Maury to advance to third base, ultimately bringing Dale home to score an unearned run.
- The 6th inning saw Wayne State extend their lead with back-to-back home runs. D. Hill's powerful shot to right field was followed by Van Sicklen's impressive hit to center field, bringing the total to 3 runs for Wayne State.
- Despite a valiant effort from Purdue Northwest's pitching staff and defense, they were unable to rally back against Wayne State's solid performance.
GAME TWO – L (3-8) 9 Innings
- Aden Johnson () would lead the Pride with a hit and two RBIs.
- Billy Jones () would also contribute two hits.
- Owen Walkowiak (Crown Point, Ind./Andrean) started on the mound for Purdue Northwest throwing four innings while striking out seven.
- Drew Hill led Wayne State with one hit and three RBIs.
- The opening inning saw Purdue Northwest take an early lead when Hayden Matulich (San Jose, Calif./Pioneer) capitalized on a throwing error by Wayne State's third baseman, allowing Billy Jones () to dash home, giving PNW an early advantage.
- However, Wayne State quickly responded, knotting the score in the bottom of the first as D. Hill's sacrifice fly brought Maury home, leveling the playing field.
- As the game progressed, Wayne State's offense began to find its rhythm, with key hits in the fourth and fifth innings propelling them ahead. Despite Purdue Northwest's efforts to mount a comeback late in the game, including a dramatic home run by Aden Johnson () in the ninth inning, it wasn't enough to overcome Wayne State's lead.
- In the end, Wayne State University emerged victorious with a final score of 8-3, leaving Purdue Northwest with valuable lessons to take forward as they continue their season.
Up Next
The Pride next hit the field on May 5th in Detroit, Michigan to conclude their four-game series against Wayne State. Game time is set for 12:00 AM CT.
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