WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Five runs in the first two innings and six runs in the final inning accounted for 11 of the 12 runs scored by Illinois on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Alexander Field. Saturday's 12-4 win clinched the three-game series in the Illini's favor.
Branden Comia started the Illini off early by launching a solo home run to left-center field in the first inning. The Illini then scored four runs in the second inning, all coming with two outs. Taylor Jackson and Justin Janas each had an RBI single, while Comia (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB) added a 2-run single.
For the next few innings, it was LHP Nathan Lavender (W, 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 SO) who controlled the game. Lavender kept Purdue (10-17) hitless through the first five innings. He exited in the sixth inning with the score 5-3 and runners on first and second one out, but LHP Alex Vera was able to come in and shut the door by rolling a double play.
The clubs would exchange runs in the seventh inning after an RBI single from Kellen Sarver for Illinois and an RBI single by Ben Nisle for Purdue to make the score 6-4.
The Illini finally put the game out of reach in the ninth inning by putting up six runs. With rain falling, the Boilermakers struggled to find the zone. Illinois sent 10 batters to the plate and only recorded three hits. The two big hits came off the bats of Ryan Hampe and Jackson Raper. Hampe delivered a pinch-hit, bases-loaded, 2-run single to make the score 9-4. Raper connected on a bases-clearing, 3-run double getting the game to its final score of 12-4.
Illinois (12-14) will attempt to get a series sweep and win the season series against Purdue tomorrow at 12 p.m. CT. RHP Riley Gowens will get the ball in the Sunday finale.
Notes
• Illinois had a season-high 11 walks. It was the most by the Illini in a game since April 14, 2019 at Minnesota (11 BB).
• Illinois has recorded a save in three of their last five games after zero saves through the first 21 games.
• Illinois has scored at least six runs in all of their wins. The Illini are 12-5 when scoring six runs or more in a game.
• Nathan Lavender is the first Illinois pitcher to start a season 5-0 since RHP John Kravetz finished the 2015 season with a 5-0 record (3.35 ERA) in 14 starts.
• Lavender did not allow a hit through the first five innings of the game.
• Kellen Sarver has at least one hit and one RBI in five of his last six games.
• Taylor Jackson tied his career high of three walks (March 13, 2021 at Minnesota).
• Branden Comia's three RBIs matched his season high (April 4 vs. Nebraska).
