IOWA CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — Purdue and Iowa conclude their Big Ten series Saturday afternoon at Duane Banks Field, with first pitch set under clear skies and 79-degree temperatures. The Boilermakers (34-16) hold the better overall record, while the Hawkeyes (27-21) look to build on a series-opening win.

Purdue enters on a two-game losing streak after dropping Thursday’s opener 10-7, with Friday’s scheduled game listed as no contest. The Boilermakers won seven of their previous nine games before that defeat, including a three-game sweep of Murray State and a series win over Indiana. Iowa, meanwhile, had lost four straight before Thursday’s victory, but the Hawkeyes have shown resilience at home.

Players to watch

Purdue outfielder Avery Moore has been a consistent offensive force. Over his last 10 games, Moore is hitting .364 (12-for-33) with three home runs and 11 RBIs. He went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Thursday’s loss and had a four-hit, two-homer, four-RBI game against Indiana on May 10.

Iowa’s Joey Nerat was the star of the series opener, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs. The left fielder has cooled off recently, however, with just three hits in his last 23 at-bats entering Thursday. His power display against Purdue could signal a turnaround.

Series context

Thursday’s game saw Iowa jump ahead early behind Nerat’s five RBIs. Purdue rallied but fell short. Boilermakers pitcher Jarvis Evans threw three hitless innings of relief with four strikeouts, while Iowa starter Kyle Alivo earned the win with five innings of one-run ball, striking out nine. Shortstop Kooper Schulte also homered for the Hawkeyes.

Purdue’s offense has been potent all season, averaging nearly 7.5 runs per game. The Boilermakers have scored at least 11 runs in six of their last nine wins. Iowa’s pitching staff has struggled at times, allowing 10 or more runs in three of their last six losses.

The Big Ten rivals have split their previous meetings this season, with Purdue winning two of three at home earlier in the year. Saturday’s game is the rubber match of the series with one game remaining.

Forecast

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-5 victory for Purdue, forecasting a return to form for the Boilermakers’ offense. Iowa will need another strong outing from its bullpen and more production from the middle of the lineup to defend home field.

With postseason implications in the Big Ten standings, both teams have motivation. Purdue looks to bounce back; Iowa aims to prove its opening win was no fluke.