5/16/24 Illinois 5, Purdue 4

The Purdue baseball failed to overcome a 5-0 deficit, leading to a 5-4 loss Thursday night at Alexander field, eliminating the Boilers from the possibility of capturing a Big Ten championship. The Boilers (33-20, 13-9) dropped the first of three home games against league-leading Illinois (31-17, 16.6) to end the regular season. Purdue, which led the Big Ten recently, has lost 4 of the last 5 conference games.

After falling behind 5-0 on Thursday night, Purdue made a game of it. It scored 1 run in the second, 2 in the third and 1 in the sixth innings. Two players got a pair of singles – catcher Connor Caskenette and second baseman Thomas Green. The only extra base hit was from designated hitter Logan Sutter who had a double.Morales too the lost pitching 5 innings giving up 6 hits and 5 earned runs. While facing 22 batters, he struck out 7 and walked 2.

Purdue will return to action at 8 p.m., Friday, when it will once again face Illinois. The Illini can clinch at least a tie for the Big Ten title by beating the Boilermakers.