GBI Magazine

Alexander Dedication A High Mark Of Season I n what's become a season of misery for the Boilermakers following their Big Ten championship effort a year ago, the dedication of Alexander Field in late April helped to lift spirits. Purdue formally opened the multi-million dollar complex on April 20, just before the second game of a double-header vs. Nebraska, with nearly 1,500 watching in the crowd on a chilly evening in West Lafayette. Baseball alumni, including severTom Campbell al from the 2012 title team, were in The Boilermakers dedicated their new ballpark, Alexander Field, on a chilly town for the ceremony. Former coach evening in late April. Former player and coach Dave Alexander, who gave Dave Alexander, who gave the lead the lead gift for the facility, addressed the crowd with Robert Ramer, Doug Schreiber and Morgan Burke behind him. donation for the facility in honor of his parents, spoke to the crowd, as expecting the ball hit to you and making a good play did Coach Doug Schreiber and fifth-year senior pitch- or fighting off a two-strike pitch. But we're just not er Robert Ramer. having enough of that right now." "It's great to see everybody and the support we Purdue has ample reasons for the struggles this have," said Schreiber, a former Boilermaker second season. Schreiber has started 13 freshmen, tied for baseman who is in his 15th season at the helm of the third-most rookies nationally this year. And four the Boilers. "But seeing all the alumni back has been other Boilermakers have made their debuts. really fun, and having them see the facility and hear It's left a lineup that's been in flux throughout the the compliments on the stadium, that's been a pos- season. During the losing streak, the Boilermakitive." ers had eight different batting order combinations, But the dedication came in the midst of a nine- pushing the season total to 30 in 36 games. The dedgame losing streak that saw Purdue drop to only 11- ication game lineup featured six freshmen in the 25 overall, 4-11 in the Big Ten. The struggles likely offensive lineup, plus rookie starter Jordan Minch. will keep the Boilermakers from qualifying for the "We've just got to keep playing," freshman catcher conference tournament for the first time since 2007, Jack Picchiotti said. "We're playing loose, even now snapping a five-year streak that is currently the lon- with the bad record, but it will turn around. We'll get gest in the league. it turned around." In the losing skid, Purdue's frequently was not The Nebraska series, however, was a microcosm close, giving up at least 10 runs in all but one game. of Purdue's Big Ten season. "Games are turning out with double-digit losses," In Game 1, the Boilermakers rallied to within a Schreiber said. "We're not even competitive. A lot of run in the middle innings, only to see the bullpen that is buckling down and making a good pitch, or implode in the eighth and ninth. Minch's seven solGold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5com

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