Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball secured a share of the 2024 Big Ten Championship with a 9-4 win over Purdue at Alexander Field. This victory marks Illinois' first conference title since 2015 and the third under head coach Dan Hartleb.

"This team has been unbelievable," said Hartleb. "We started out so tough but they turned it around and got things going. They've been a family and supported each other all year. It is just awesome."

Vytas Valincius, Ryan Moerman, and Camden Janik contributed home runs in the game, helping Illinois reach 100 home runs for the season. Six players recorded hits, while all nine starters reached base safely.

Pitcher Cooper Omans returned to action with four innings of one-run pitching, allowing one hit and striking out one batter. Jake Rons provided relief with 1.2 scoreless innings, retiring all five batters he faced. Joe Glassey closed the game by allowing one hit and striking out two in the ninth inning.

Purdue initially led 1-0 until Valincius tied the game with a solo home run in the fifth inning. Purdue regained a brief lead before Illinois scored seven runs in the seventh inning to secure their advantage. Moerman's two-run homer initiated this rally, followed by Janik's grand slam.

The Illini will face Purdue again today for their regular season finale at Alexander Field.

Ryan Moerman leads Illinois with 17 home runs this season, also leading the Big Ten in this category. Camden Janik's grand slam was his second of the season and marked Illinois' 100th home run—a program first.

Cal Hejza extended his on-base streak to 34 games, while Connor Milton has reached base safely in 15 consecutive games.

Illinois captured its 31st Big Ten title overall, marking its second-most all-time conference championships.