WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Three different Boilermakers had three hits or three RBI and Purdue baseball scored six times in the sixth inning to outlast Iowa 10-8 in a Saturday slugfest at Alexander Field.
The Boilermakers (4-12) posted season highs for runs and hits (11) and won on Saturday for the third consecutive weekend. Sunday they'll go for their first Big Ten rubber game win at home since May 2009.
Zac Fascia had two hits in the sixth inning as part of a three-hit, three-RBI day. Cam Thompson doubled twice as part of a three-hit day. He delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded to open the scoring in the bottom of the sixth.
Tyler Powers' two-run double in the third inning headlined his three-RBI day. Powers has reached base safely in a career-high 10 consecutive games. Miles Simington doubled for the fourth consecutive game and reached base safely twice for the fifth straight game.
Purdue used six pitchers, receiving at least one big out from each of the final three. Avery Cook closed out the win for his first save as a Boilermaker. Eric Hildebrand escaped a bases-loaded jam without a run scoring in the top of the eighth, coming through with a timely strikeout followed by an inning-ending 3-2-3 double play. Ricky Castro needed only one pitch to retire the Hawkeyes' No. 3 hitter and escape a bases-loaded jam in the seventh inning.
Jackson Smeltz worked three hitless innings in his first career start at Alexander Field. It was also the lefty's first start of the season and he was lifted after throwing 54 pitches.
The six-run sixth inning rally gave the Boilermakers the lead back after Iowa (8-9) scored four times in the top of the frame to take its first lead at 5-3. The Hawkeyes scored in each of the final five innings, but Purdue's big inning ultimately helped outnumber the four single tallies scored by the visitors.
"In many ways it was our best team win of the year because so many different guys contributed in key spots," Purdue head coach Greg Goff said. "I was really pleased with the way we responded after Iowa's big inning. It was an offensive day with the wind blowing out, but our pitchers did well to limit Iowa to single runs. They made some big pitches with runners on base. The fan support and energy at the ballpark also provided a big boost again, especially with the momentum swings late in the game. I can't say enough about the fans and how they've been eager to scoop up as many tickets as we're allowed to make available."
Sunday's rubber game is slated for 1 p.m. ET.
SATURDAY NOTABLES
• Zac Fascia recorded at least three hits for the third time and at least three RBI for the fourth time as a Boilermaker. He delivered a two-out RBI double over the left fielder's head in the ninth inning, accounting for what proved to be a key insurance run. Purdue's catcher also threw out base runners at second and third base to end innings. He served as the fulcrum on the crucial 3-2-3 double play, teaming up Mason Gavre for the inning-ending twin killing. Eric Hildebrand induced the ground ball to first base with the bases loaded and Purdue clinging to a 9-7 lead in the top of the eighth.
• Cam Thompson joined Ben Nisle as Boilermakers with two doubles in a game this season. Thompson led off the third inning with a double down the left field line, accounting for the first hit and run of the game in that frame.
• Tyler Powers had three RBI in a game for the first time as a Boilermaker. He delivered the two-run double in the third inning about 10 minutes after getting inadvertently spiked at third base while applying the tag as Fascia cut down the runner trying to advance on what would have been a passed ball.
• Skyler Hunter reached base safely three times and came around to score each time. He led of the fifth inning with a single, his 231st career hit to move into ninth place in program history.
• Evan Albrecht's RBI single in the sixth inning knocked in the go-ahead run during Purdue's big inning. Each of the first eight batters in the frame put together a productive plate appearance.
• Jackson Smeltz worked consecutive 1-2-3 innings to begin the game.
Another #4faves from the @PurdueBaseball win over Iowa. pic.twitter.com/3SsFh56GvX
— Dave Wegiel Photo (@pinolaphoto) April 3, 2021