May 8, 1999
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Northwestern softball team (30-30, 11-12 Big Ten) extended its winning streak to four games on Saturday by winning the first two games of a three-game series against Purdue (29-26, 8-14). The Wildcats came from behind to win the first game 5-4 in eight innings and cruised to 7-1 victory in game two. The final game of the series will be Sunday at 1 p.m. at Anderson Field. It will also be the final game of the 1999 season for both teams.
In the first game, the Boilermakers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning with an RBI-single by Chrissy Davie and a two-run double by Sam Mercier. Northwestern clawed back with single runs in the third and the fifth to cut the deficit to 3-2 before things got interesting in the seventh.
After Mercier scored on an error, Purdue loaded the bases with nobody out and looked to increase its 4-2 advantage. However, the next batter, Kristin Billen, hit a ground ball down the third base line that appeared to be foul, but actually turned into a double play, as the third baseman tagged the runner on third and then threw to first. After a brief dispute, the inning continued and the Boilers' rally ended with a ground out. In the bottom of the inning, the Wildcats tied the score on two hits and three walks, as Purdue pitcher Nicole Crouse (13-14) missed on several close pitches. In the eighth, Northwestern's Erin Jancic collected her second RBI with the game-winning hit.
In game two, the Wildcats broke a scoreless tie in the fourth with two runs, beginning with an RBI-double by pitcher Brooke Siebel. Siebel (19-19) helped her own cause by going three-for-three at the plate. Northwestern added three more in the fifth to take command, as pitcher Meagan Dooley (14-11) suffered the loss for Purdue.
Sunday's game will include a special ceremony for the seniors at Anderson Field. Northwestern's seniors will receive red roses, while Purdue's seniors will receive yellow roses in their final game.
R H EPurdue 4 10 2Northwestern 5 8 2
Northwestern 7 9 1Purdue 1 5 2