After a tough start, Purcell finds his stride

PADUCAH, Ky. -- For the first four innings Wednesday, Brad Purcell looked like anything but the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Morehead State had already ripped Southeast Missouri State University's ace for five runs and six hits as the Indians fell behind 5-0 in the opening round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

"I was very upset," Purcell said. "I made a few bad choices and tried to throw it too hard on occasion."

But the senior right-hander pulled things together and held the Eagles to just one run and three hits over the next four innings as the Indians rallied for a 9-6 victory. Purcell improved to 11-2 and took over the OVC lead in wins from teammate Brandon Smith.

"They have some really good hitters and it's tough when you have a game plan and it doesn't work," Purcell said. "Sometimes things don't go your way and you have to change your whole approach."

Purcell, while allowing nine hits and six runs, struck out seven and walked four. He received relief help from Tim Alvarez, who pitched a hitless ninth for his second save of the season.

"Brad didn't have his best stuff, but he battled his way through it," Southeast coach Tristen McDonald said.

Even though Purcell was frustrated early, he said he knew if he could just keep his head above water, the Indians' offense would eventually get going and their defense would also make its mark.

"I knew the offense would be there. Tristen picked everybody up," said Purcell, referring to McDonald's three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth that pulled Southeast to within 5-3. "And our defense was awesome again."

After the Indians' 0-2 showing in the OVC Tournament last year, Purcell said it's simply nice to win the opener no matter how he performed.

"It's great to get the first one out of the way," he said with a smile.