EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern fell to Purdue, 11-3, in its series opener at Miller Park on Friday afternoon.
LHP Jake Rifenburg (2-3) struck out a career-high six batters in the outing, surrendering four runs on eight hits and two walks.
The Boilermakers (23-10, 10-6 Big Ten) took a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly in the top of the first.
NU (13-16-1, 5-8 Big Ten) answered with an RBI single by INF Noah Ruiz to even the game at one apiece.
The 'Cats manufactured a pair of runs in the bottom of the third to grab a 3-1 lead. Ruiz grabbed his second RBI of the game, scoring Freeman with another RBI single, and INF Nick Barron added on, driving in INF Ryan Kucherak with an RBI fielder's choice.
Purdue took a 4-3 lead with three runs in the top of the fourth and cushioned its lead with seven runs in the top of the ninth.
Game two of the weekend series against Purdue is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. CT at Miller Park on B1G+.
LHP Jake Rifenburg (2-3) struck out a career-high six batters in the outing, surrendering four runs on eight hits and two walks.
The Boilermakers (23-10, 10-6 Big Ten) took a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly in the top of the first.
NU (13-16-1, 5-8 Big Ten) answered with an RBI single by INF Noah Ruiz to even the game at one apiece.
The 'Cats manufactured a pair of runs in the bottom of the third to grab a 3-1 lead. Ruiz grabbed his second RBI of the game, scoring Freeman with another RBI single, and INF Nick Barron added on, driving in INF Ryan Kucherak with an RBI fielder's choice.
Purdue took a 4-3 lead with three runs in the top of the fourth and cushioned its lead with seven runs in the top of the ninth.
Game two of the weekend series against Purdue is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. CT at Miller Park on B1G+.