The Wildcats bounced the Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., last weekend, winning the final two games of a three-game set. The wins over Purdue (23-16, 6-6 Big Ten) marked NU’s (15-23, 7-5) third consecutive Big Ten series victory.

The Cats got a strong outing from ace Eric Jokisch on Saturday, as the junior gave up just two earned runs in eight innings. But NU couldn’t get its offense rolling, and the Cats mustered only one run.

NU’s offense rebounded in the second game of the doubleheader Saturday, knocking in seven runs. Sunday the Cats gave up two runs through the first three frames, but Matt Gailey, Paul Snieder and Zach Morton combined to hold the Boilermakers to one run over the final six innings.

After starting the season 6-19, NU has gone 9-4 in its last 13 contests. The Cats’ 7-5 conference mark is good enough for first place in the Big Ten. NU is tied with Michigan State, Michigan and Ohio State for the top spot.

The Cats return to action Wednesday when they take on Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

– Staff Reports