By Keith Thomas
Staff Writer

With a four-game series with Big Ten-leading Illinois approaching rapidly, the Purdue baseball team will be trying to sharpen some skills this afternoon against non-conference foe Indiana State.

Fresh off a successful series over the weekend — taking three of four games from the Hoosiers — the Boilers are faced with back—to—back non—conference matchups before hosting the Illini this weekend.

Resting the starting pitching rotation this week as other Boiler hurlers get some work is tops on Purdue pitching coach Gary Adcock’s priority list.

"As far as pitching staff goes, we want to keep everybody sharp," said Adcock. "As far as the four starters go, they won’t pitch (Tuesday or Wednesday), and we’ll probably give Chadd Blasko a couple of days; but everybody else, we’ll try to keep them sharp so this weekend they’ll be ready."

Ready for this afternoon’s game is left-hander Ben Kaebisch (2—0). He will get the start. Kaebisch's 14 appearances are second on the team behind closer Andy Helmer, who has 17.

Helmer and his 12 saves in 17 appearances will be ready to throw if needed this afternoon as well. Helmer (2-0), who leads the Boilers with a 1.19 ERA, is coming off a three—save, one-win week.

Along with Helmer and Kaebisch, the rest of the Boiler bullpen will be ready to see some work this afternoon against the Sycamores and in Wednesday’s matchup with Illinois State.

"What we’ll probably take out of (today) and Wednesday is getting some of the pitchers back on track that haven’t thrown in a while," said Adcock.