May 16, 1999
Gm. 1 Box Score | Gm. 2 Box Score
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Purdue baseball team was outhomered 7-2 on Sunday as Illinois swept a doubleheader from the Boilers in Champaign, Ill. The Fighting Illini won the opener 12-7 and the nightcap 11-9, as the wind gusted out of Illinois Field at more than 25 miles per hour.
Illinois clinched a spot in the Big Ten Tournament, improving its record to 33-20 overall and 15-12 in the conference. Purdue falls to 24-30 overall and 10-17 in the Big Ten.
Four Purdue pitchers combined to surrender 15 hits, including four home runs, in the first game. Freshman starter Travis Dorsch (3-2) lasted only 3.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits en route to his second loss of the season.
The Illini took an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Designated hitter D.J. Svihlik and third baseman Craig Marquie hit back-to-back home runs to give Illinois a 3-0 advantage.
Illinois continued to pour it on, scoring five runs in the fourth inning and two runs in both the fifth and sixth.
Offensively, the Boilers had little trouble with Illini starter Tim Lavery (6-5). The Boilers touched Lavery for 11 hits and seven runs in 5.2 innings. However, the southpaw received enough offensive support to earn his sixth victory of the season.
Right-hander Vince Heinz recorded the final four outs of the game to collect his first save of the season.
Senior designated hitter Todd Ellinger homered for the second consecutive game for Purdue, slugging a two-run shot in the second inning, his third of the season. Junior Daryl Hallada and sophomores Nate Sickler and David Blomberg each had two hits for the Boilers.
Both teams continued to pound the ball in the second game, as Illinois outhit Purdue 13-12. Illinois used back-to-back five-run innings in the second and third to put away the Boilers.
Junior left-hander Russ Morgan (2-6) struggled in his final start of the season, allowing nine earned runs in 2.1 innings. Junior right-hander Andy Helmer was effective in relief, allowing three hits and one unearned run in 3.2 innings of work.
The Boilers knocked Illinois starter Bob Burlage from the game in the third inning. Burlage lasted only 2.1 innings, allowing seven hits and seven runs.
Illinois right-hander Vince Heinz (1-0) earned his first win with two runs in 3.2 innings. Closer Jimmy Journell recorded the final three outs for his eighth save.
The series concludes with a single game at 6 p.m. on Monday in Champaign.