Clinging to a one run lead with one out in the bottom of the ninth, Kent State closer Zach Spangler struck out Purdue’s Jacson McGowan for what would have setup the games’ final out.

However, the dropped third strike got past catcher Pete Schuler, enabling McGowan to safely reached first on the passed ball.

Two of the next three batters singled, scoring a pair of runs – including the game winner on a full count – en route to Purdue’s (13-10) walk off win over Kent State (15-7) Tuesday night at Alexander Field in West Lafayette, Indiana.

First baseman Dylan Rosa led the Flashes offensively with two hits and an RBI in four at bats while Sam Hurt and Mason Mamarella each recorded a hit. Starter Robert Zeigler pitched 5 2/3 innings, surrendering one earned run on four hits.

The Boilermakers took an early 1-0 lead in the third, courtesy of two singles and a passed ball, but Kent State posted two runs in the sixth after Hurt scored on a fielding error on second baseman Evan Warden. Rosa’s double then brought in Luke Burch, who reached base on the error.

Purdue had a chance to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning after having a runner on third, but left-hander Jared Skolnicki struck out designated hitter Drew Bertram on three pitches to retire the side.

Skolnicki went 1 1/3 innings before being relieved by Patrick Dayton, who pitched a scoreless bottom of the eighth.

Closer Zach Spangler entered the game in the ninth in a save situation and got the first batter to ground out to second before McGowan reached base on the botched strikeout.

Bertram then flied out to right for what would have been the final out if it hadn’t been for the dropped third strike call that ultimately led to Logan Poisall’s walk-off winner, which snapped Kent State’s six-game winning streak that began on Mar. 18.

The Flashes resume Mid-American Conference play this weekend with a three-game home series against Buffalo before hosting Youngstown State on Apr. 4.

Nick Buzzelli is a sports reporter, contact him at [email protected].