Purdue Coasts to Victory Over Campbell, Wins 6-4 for 4th Win
BUISE CREEK, N.C. — In Purdue coach Greg Goff's homecoming, the Boilermakers were able to get out to a great start and kept a comfortable lead against Campbell, his former school. Purdue held off a late rally to beat the Camels, 6-4, and improve to 4-1 on the season.
Purdue catcher Zac Fascia struck first for the Boilermakers with a solo home run in the first inning. He leads the team with seven RBIs.
The Boilermakers played small-ball in the second inning to manufacture a run. Bryce Bonner and Tyler Powers both reached on bunt singles, and then shortstop Evan Albrecht drove in Bryce Bonner with an opposite-field single.
Campbell scored a run in the bottom of the second, but the Boilermakers quickly took control with a four-run inning to take a 6-1 lead. Senior outfielder Skyler Hunter had the big hit, a two-run single with two outs.
It was another good example of how explosive Purdue's offense has been to start the season. They have scored four runs or more in an inning in all five games thus far.
Junior pitcher Trent Johnson (1-0) was dominant on the mound for Purdue, retiring nine of the first 10 batters he faced. Johnson went six innings, and allowed only one run and two hits.
Campbell scratched its way back into the game in the seventh inning with a three-run rally, spurred by a two-run homer by Grant Harris to get within 6-4.
But then it was Bo Hofstra time. Purdue's standout closer came in and shut the door on Campbell by getting his NCAA-best third save of the season. Hofstra retired all eight batters he faced and still has yet to allow a hit on the year through 5 2/3 innings pitched.
Purdue looks to continue its weekend success on Saturday in the Campbell Invitational against the Maine Black Bears (0-3). Game time is at 2 p.m. ET.
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