Pitcher Kevin Manson lost his first start in 5 outings as the Illini dropped this weekend’s series opener to Purdue 14-4.

With the win, Purdue clinched second place in the Big Ten standings, which could have been taken by Illinois with a sweep.

Illinois did however benefit from Michigan State’s two losses to Indiana, guaranteeing the Illini a spot in the Big Ten Tournament.

Purdue pounded Illinois for 21 hits en route to scoring 14 runs. Manson was charged with six of those runs in just more than 2 innings of work.

The Illini stayed within 4 runs of the Boilermakers, but a 5-run Purdue eighth put the game out of reach.

The Illini will attempt to take game 2 of Friday’s doubleheader as Scott Shaw gets the start.

Check back with DailyIllini.com for an update on the second game in Friday’s doubleheader.