By Keith Thomas
Staff Writer

If the Boilers enter the final inning of this afternoon's game against rival Indiana with a lead, they will have a good reason to believe a win is imminent.

That's because of the solid late-inning performances turned in this season by senior closer Andy Helmer.

Helmer has successfully shut the door on every team he has appeared against in a potential save opportunity.

Helmer, who has 19 strikeouts and only five walks, leads the Big Ten in saves with 11, which isn't bad considering this is his first season in the role of closer. Prior to this year, Helmer had only two saves during his career. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native — who was a three-year starter for the Boilers — has yet to blow a save this season and, because of that, his teammates have nothing but absolute confidence in him.

"We know that he's going to close it out for us," said senior second baseman Erik Frei. "He knows what's expected of him and he's had success."

Helmer, who also leads the Boilers with a 1.35 ERA while holding opposition to a .167 batting average, feeds off this confidence.

"I love it," said Helmer, "because I know when I pitch, either the game's going to be close or we're going to be ahead, and I have a chance to win the game for our team."

At 6-foot-8, 225 pounds, Helmer represents a rather intimidating presence as he trots onto the field to close the game.

The left-hander said he enjoys his new role as a closer and looks forward to getting in every game.

"I want to save a win in every game we play," said Helmer.

Pitching coach Gary Adcock is another Boiler who is enjoying the success of Helmer. Adcock said Helmer's work has a direct correlation to the success of Purdue (20-12, 6-6 Big Ten).

"As long as the team continues to see success, then Andy will continue to be in that role," said Adcock. "I'm very pleased with his success and am happy for him."

Helmer's success was showcased in Tuesday's win over No. 24 Notre Dame and Wednesday's victory over Valparaiso. Helmer was able to earn saves while preserving both Boiler wins.

That is a trend that he and his teammates want to continue this weekend in Purdue's four-game series with the Hoosiers.

"We hope to sweep them," said Helmer, "because they are the biggest rival we have."

Indiana (23-15, 5-7) brings in its Big-Ten leading 3.78 ERA to Lambert Field for a game at 3 p.m. this afternoon. Although the Boilers have been successful on the mound, they hope to see the offense improve. That might be difficult, though, considering that the Hoosiers' pitching staff holds opposing batters to a .250 batting average.

Purdue coach Doug Schreiber downplays the rivalry angle for the weekend, placing an emphasis on playing solid baseball against a team that is similar to the Boilers.

"We mirror each other a lot," said Schreiber. "So it should be a pretty tightly contested weekend."

Frei, who is one of the senior leaders who has never hosted Indiana at Lambert Field and was swept by the Hoosiers last season, said this is one of the most important series of the year for the Boilers.

"We expect to win every game," said Frei.

• Purdue follows this afternoon's game with a doubleheader against Indiana starting at 1 p.m. Saturday and a single game at 1 p.m. Sunday.