WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Boilermakers (12-14) wrapped up a four-game homestand with a 9-5 victory vs. Eastern Illinois (19-9). The win marked the first win of the season at Bittinger Stadium, along with head coach Magali Frezzotti's first home victory as head coach.
Purdue out-hit Eastern Illinois, 12-8 in the win, with five Boilermakers posting a multi-hit game. The effort was led by Hailey Hayes' home run (second inning) and RBI double (fifth inning), Moriah Polar's two RBI triple (fourth inning) and Khloe Banks' RBI triple (fourth inning). Meanwhile, Sage Scarmardo led the team with three runs, tying for the most runs by a Boilermaker in a game this season.
After trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the second inning, a two-run homer by Hayes put the Boilermakers within one run. A run by Polar was scored in the third on an error as the Panther infielders kept their eye on Purdue's runner at first. The go-ahead and eventual game-winner came in the fourth inning, as Polar recorded the triple which scored Kiara Dillon and Scarmardo.
Relief pitcher Kendall Klochack (4-2) led the Boilermakers to victory, entering in the second inning for Purdue and tossing the next four innings. The junior allowed one hit and no runs, while striking out two batters. Emma Bailey started in the circle for Purdue while Madi Elish closed the game for Purdue. Only one walk was allowed by the committee.
Purdue, the No. 8 team in the nation in stolen bases, added five in the outing to tie a season-high (last: vs. Radford, 3/1) including two by Banks.
Purdue opens its Big Ten slate this weekend at Michigan. Originally slated for a Friday-Sunday series has been moved to a Sunday-Monday schedule due to inclement weather. Saturday and Sunday's game times will remain at 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. ET, respectively, while Monday's contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. Follow @purduesoftball for the latest schedule updates.