URBANA, Ill. – A three-run double off the bat of Sydney Malott proved to be the difference as Illinois softball took down Purdue, 4-1, in the series finale at Eichelberger Field on Sunday afternoon.
With the victory, the Fighting Illini improved to 16-24 this year with a 3-9 conference record. The Boilermakers dropped to 20-19 overall and 7-5 in Big Ten play.
Tori McQueen went the distance, earning the win while allowing one run and striking out five. Sydney Malott led the way offensively, going 1-for-1 with a double and three RBI.
How it happened
Purdue jumped ahead in the opening frame to take a one-run lead before the Illini's first at-bat. In the bottom of the second, however, the Illini knotted the game following an RBI single from the bat of Gabrielle Debevec.
Both teams went scoreless until the sixth, when the Illini rallied in the bottom of the frame. A hit batter, single and walk loaded the bases with two away. Malott came in to pinch hit and cleared the bases with a double.
Holding onto the 4-1 edge in the seventh, McQueen continued to dominate in the circle striking out the final batter to clinch the triumph over the Boilermakers.
Up Next
The Fighting Illini hit the road for a midweek clash at Northwestern. Tuesday's first pitch is slated for 4 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
Notes
» Illinois wore white jerseys, moving to 3-7 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 34-20 against Purdue
» Illinois improved to 2-10 at home.
» Illinois derailed Purdue's eight-game winning streak.
» Illinois went 3-for-8 (.375) with runners in scoring position.
» Tori McQueen limited Purdue to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» Attendance was called at 467.
