CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Purdue's (15-26, 4-5 B1G) five-run rally with two outs in the seventh wasn't enough to defeat Illinois (27-10, 7-2 B1G) as the Illini walked off in the series finale 7-6 at Eichelberger Field. Maya Hughes, Kristen Hoppman and Mallory Baker registered three-consecutive extra-base hits to even the score with the Illini at six going into the bottom of the seventh.
Hughes, Hoppman and Lexi Huffman all concluded the contest with multi-hit performances. Hughes finished three-for-four with a pair of runs batted in while Hoppman and Huffman each enjoyed two-hit days at the plate. Baker was Purdue's RBI leader for the game, driving in three runs with a sacrifice fly and her first home run of the season, extending her hitting streak to 15 games.
After lasting just a third of an inning in yesterday's contest, Illinois' Taylor Edwards and the defense behind her was impressive as they held the Boilermakers to just three hits through the first five innings without allowing a run.
Going into the sixth inning down 4-0, Hughes and Hoppman kicked off the frame with back-to-back singles giving Baker a first and third situation with no outs. Baker sent a rocket into center but in an act of desperation the centerfielder threw her glove up and snared the liner that would have been good for extra bases. Hughes tagged up to score on the play, pulling the Boilermakers within three of Illinois. However, the Illini responded promptly in the bottom of the inning with two runs to take a 6-1 advantage.
With its back against the wall, Purdue rallied as the bottom of the lineup gave Hughes and the top of the lineup runners on first and second with two outs to work with. Hughes came through with her third double of the season, clearing the bases and advancing to third on a throw to the plate from center. Hoppman immediately followed by jumping on the first pitch she saw, sending a line drive into the right-center gap to score Hughes and give Baker a game-tying opportunity.
After working the count full, Baker took advantage of the opportunity the best way she could, launching a two-run home run to straightaway center, tying the game at six. However despite the rally, Illinois responded with three-straight singles in the bottom of the inning to earn the walk-off victory.
Purdue now shifts its focus to its doubleheader against Indiana. The Boilermakers will continue their rivalry with the Hoosiers on Tuesday, April 11. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with Game 2 slated for 6 p.m. in Bloomington, Indiana.
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