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Illini Throw Sunday No-Hitter, Complete Weekend Sweep of Purdue

The Illinois baseball team threw the 11th no-hitter in its 142-year program history and first ever on the road Sunday afternoon at Alexander Field in a 1-0 victory over Purdue in West Lafayette, IN. The combination of Riley Gowens, Ryan O'Hara and Cole Kirschsieper were the trio that etched their names in the record book. The no-hitter was the first since "Boo" Champagne vs. Bradley on April 24, 1985.

 

Gowens (7.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 6 SO) was dominant in his start on Sunday. 

 

O'Hara came in to pitch the eighth inning and started the inning off by hitting Mike Bolton Jr. He would advance to third base after a sac bunt and a wild pitch. With one out, O'Hara got Miles Simington to strike out swinging, but the ball got away and had to be thrown to first base. As Ryan Hampe threw the ball, Bolton Jr. broke for home. Kellen Sarver received the throw and fired it back home to O'Hara where Bolton Jr. was called out on a close play at the plate to end the inning.

 

Heading into the ninth of a scoreless game the Illini had only managed three hits. Branden Comia led off the inning with a single through the right side. Comia would advance to second on a passed ball. Justin Janas followed with an infield single to move Comia over to third. Sarver then came up with the go-ahead, RBI sac bunt to bring home Comia for the only run of the ballgame.

 

In the bottom of the ninth, Kirschsieper entered the game. Purdue (10-18) had a chance with runners on first and second one out after a walk and fielding error. Kirschsieper would go on to strike out the final two batters of the game to secure the no-hitter and series sweep.

 

Illinois (13-14) will return to action next weekend in their third and final pod of the season. The Illini will go to Evanston, Illinois, and play two games against Michigan and two against Northwestern.

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