Boilers to play home opener vs. Valpo

By Keith Thomas
Staff Writer

Just like last season, the Purdue baseball team is playing its home opener against Valparaiso.

But unlike last season, the Boilers are entering their home opener with a winning record.

Following its first 15 games, all of which came away from the comfort of Lambert Field, the Boilers are 9-6. This time last season Purdue was 6-10.

Coach Doug Schreiber said he hopes the Boilers can continue to play consistent baseball now that they have returned home.

"I think we are all a little anxious to get back home and play," said Schreiber.

Schreiber said this afternoon's 3 p.m. game vs. Valpo in Lambert Field won't be a typical home opener because local weather has affected the Boilers' ability to practice.

"We haven’t practiced on this field very much this year," said Schreiber, "so it might be a little of an adjustment."

One other factor that takes away a little of the home advantage is the fact that the Crusaders are intrastate rivals and play Purdue tough.

Schreiber said Valparaiso (1-10-1) usually plays tough despite its record.

"They still want to beat Purdue," said Schreiber. "I’m sure they’ll come out and play hard and aggressive."

The Boilers and the Crusaders split the series last season, with Valparaiso winning the final meeting against Purdue, 14-5. In the first meeting, Purdue’s home opener, the Boilers had to rely on a ninth-inning rally to overcome the Crusaders, winning by a score of 11-10.

Schreiber said that although those games were exciting and he was glad to see the Boilers come out on top, he would rather see Purdue concentrate more on fundamentals.

"Obviously, I’d like to keep the game — on our defensive standpoint and our pitching standpoint — down to single digits," said Schreiber. "Although I was glad to see the team fight back and persevere."

Purdue owes a lot of its early success to solid pitching. Although No. 1 starter Russ Morgan (2-2), who gets the start this afternoon, has struggled of late, both David Gassner (2-1) and Ben Quick (1-2) have pitched well as the No. 2 and 3 starters, respectively.

As the starters have kept Purdue in games this season, the bullpen — led by senior Andy Helmer — has been successful in closing games.

Helmer (1-0) has four saves in four tries this season and has an ERA of 2.38.

Helmer, who has struck out 11 batters in 11.1 innings thus far, said that although the weather has been nice during the Boilers' southern road trip, he's glad to be home.

"It’s nice to be playing in our own park for once," said Helmer.

Helmer agreed with Schreiber in that the home field advantage weighs less due to the rival factor. Helmer said you can throw the records out when Valpo comes to town.

"They base their season on how they play us," said Helmer.

Helmer, who is holding opposing batters to just a .154 batting average while giving up only six hits, attributes his recent success to his being relaxed and feeling confident.

"This year I feel a lot more confident because I’ve been throwing the ball well," said Helmer, "and I feel more relaxed because I know what I can do."