PREVIEW: Hoosiers, Boilermakers Open Big Ten Series Under Cold, Wet Conditions

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Interstat) — Indiana travels to face Purdue on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Alexander Field in the opener of a three-game Big Ten series. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. with a forecast of 53 degrees and rain.

The Boilermakers (31-15) enter the matchup with the conference’s best overall record and position themselves for a potential NCAA tournament berth. The Hoosiers (21-27) are fighting to finish the season above .500 after a series loss at Northwestern last weekend.

Weather factor: The wet conditions could impact both pitching staffs and favor the team that adjusts best to a slippery baseball and a damp mound.

Featured players:

• Indiana first baseman Jake Hanley has been the Hoosiers’ most consistent hitter, batting .375 (9 for 24) over his past six games. In last Sunday’s 9-6 loss at Northwestern, he went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs. Over a 10-game span dating to April 18, Hanley is hitting .261 but with power: two home runs and five RBIs in his last four contests.

• Purdue shortstop Westin Boyle provides the Boilermakers with a steady bat in the middle of the lineup. He went 1 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs in Sunday’s 17-8 win over Murray State. Over his past seven games, Boyle is batting .292 (7 for 24) with one homer, six RBIs and has reached base in eight of his last nine contests.

Last time out: Indiana lost 9-6 at Northwestern on Sunday. Catcher Hogan Denny added a home run, and pitcher Gavin Seebold struck out eight in four innings but allowed five earned runs.

Purdue defeated Murray State 17-8 on Sunday. In that game, designated hitter CJ Richmond went 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs, and pitcher Austin Klug earned the win with five innings of two-run ball.

By the numbers: Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Purdue victory. The Boilermakers have won five of their last seven, while the Hoosiers have lost five of their last seven.

Series outlook: The teams continue the series Saturday and Sunday at Alexander Field. Following this weekend, Indiana hosts Illinois for a three-game set starting May 14, while Purdue travels to Ball State on May 12 before playing at Iowa on May 14-16.