Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, April 10
Evanston, Ill.
3 p.m. CT
Northwestern
vs
Purdue
Northwestern Hosts Purdue in Weekend Series at Miller Park
4/9/2026 4:42:00 PM | Baseball
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern welcomes Purdue for a three-game series this weekend at Miller Park. Friday's series opener is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT, with Saturday and Sunday's games slated for 1 p.m. CT. All three games will be broadcast on B1G+.
Probable Pitchers
Friday, April 10: NU – LHP Jake Rifenburg vs. Purdue – RHP Cole Van Assen
Saturday, April 11: NU – RHP Matt Kouser vs. Purdue – LHP Zach Erdman
Sunday, April 12: NU – TBA vs. Purdue – TBA
Last time out, Northwestern (13-15-1, 5-7 Big Ten) run-ruled UIC, 15-4, scoring 15 runs on 18 hits, matching their season high with five home runs. NU's 18 hits are its most since April 18, 2023, at Northern Illinois (18). The 'Cats have totaled 33 runs over their last three games, their most since tallying 35 runs from Feb. 15-21 earlier this season.
INF Nick Barron recorded his first career multi-homer game, going 2-for-2 with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored, a walk and a hit by pitch.
Northwestern has played nine games this season decided by one run (6-3). In 2025, NU played 12 one-run games, going 8-4. The 'Cats are 2-0 in extra innings this season.
Senior INF Owen McElfatrick ranks tied for second in Northwestern's record book with 31 career HRs. McElfatrick leads all 'Cats with seven home runs and 15 walks in 2026.
INF Ryan Kucherak has been on a tear as of late, homering in each of his last three games. Kucherak leads all Wildcats in batting average (.310), hits (35), RBI (24), multi-hit games (10) and stolen bases (six).
LHP Jake Rifenburg is set to make his second career start this weekend. Rifenburg has posted a team-best 4.75 earned-run average this season and a 3.71 ERA in conference play. In his first career start, the rookie from Downers Grove, Ill., surrendered two runs on four hits in 5.1 innings pitched.
Purdue leads the all-time series 125-95-2 over Northwestern. NU is seeking its first series victory over the Boilermakers since May 5-7, 2017.
The Boilermakers (22-10, 9-6 Big Ten) rank fourth in the Big Ten in batting average (.311) and second in runs scored (264). IF/OF Aaron Manias ranks second in the Big Ten with a .526 on-base percentage and 14th in the Big Ten with a .619 slugging percentage.
Northwestern will close out its homestand on Tuesday, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. CT, against UIC at Miller Park. The Wildcats will resume Big Ten play next weekend with a three-game set at Michigan.
Probable Pitchers
Friday, April 10: NU – LHP Jake Rifenburg vs. Purdue – RHP Cole Van Assen
Saturday, April 11: NU – RHP Matt Kouser vs. Purdue – LHP Zach Erdman
Sunday, April 12: NU – TBA vs. Purdue – TBA
Last time out, Northwestern (13-15-1, 5-7 Big Ten) run-ruled UIC, 15-4, scoring 15 runs on 18 hits, matching their season high with five home runs. NU's 18 hits are its most since April 18, 2023, at Northern Illinois (18). The 'Cats have totaled 33 runs over their last three games, their most since tallying 35 runs from Feb. 15-21 earlier this season.
INF Nick Barron recorded his first career multi-homer game, going 2-for-2 with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored, a walk and a hit by pitch.
The Wildcats rank fourth in the Big Ten in home runs (42 HRs) and home runs per game (1.45 HRs per game).Absolute Cinema ?? https://t.co/XEA9YmZ7GT pic.twitter.com/bZWmp21CCZ
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) April 9, 2026
Northwestern has played nine games this season decided by one run (6-3). In 2025, NU played 12 one-run games, going 8-4. The 'Cats are 2-0 in extra innings this season.
Senior INF Owen McElfatrick ranks tied for second in Northwestern's record book with 31 career HRs. McElfatrick leads all 'Cats with seven home runs and 15 walks in 2026.
INF Ryan Kucherak has been on a tear as of late, homering in each of his last three games. Kucherak leads all Wildcats in batting average (.310), hits (35), RBI (24), multi-hit games (10) and stolen bases (six).
LHP Jake Rifenburg is set to make his second career start this weekend. Rifenburg has posted a team-best 4.75 earned-run average this season and a 3.71 ERA in conference play. In his first career start, the rookie from Downers Grove, Ill., surrendered two runs on four hits in 5.1 innings pitched.
Purdue leads the all-time series 125-95-2 over Northwestern. NU is seeking its first series victory over the Boilermakers since May 5-7, 2017.
The Boilermakers (22-10, 9-6 Big Ten) rank fourth in the Big Ten in batting average (.311) and second in runs scored (264). IF/OF Aaron Manias ranks second in the Big Ten with a .526 on-base percentage and 14th in the Big Ten with a .619 slugging percentage.
Northwestern will close out its homestand on Tuesday, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. CT, against UIC at Miller Park. The Wildcats will resume Big Ten play next weekend with a three-game set at Michigan.
Players Mentioned
INF
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RHP
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LHP
/ BaseballBaseball - Wildcats Run-Rule UIC, 15-4, in Midweek Matchup (4/8/26)
Thursday, April 09
Baseball - 'Cats Clinch Series with 8-6 Victory over MSU (4/5/26)
Sunday, April 05
Baseball - McElfatrick Walks off MSU to Even Series (4/4/26)
Saturday, April 04
Baseball - Wildcats Defeat Beacons 13-9 in Midweek Matchup (3/31/26)
Tuesday, March 31
