March 30, 2002
MADISON, Wis. - The Purdue softball fell again on Saturday to the Wisconsin Badgers, 6-1, in Madison at the Goodman Softball Complex. With their second loss to the Badgers, the Boilermakers fall to 25-11 (0-2 Big Ten), while the Badgers improve to 19-9 (2-0 Big Ten).
"These first two games were a disappointing start to the Big Ten season," said Purdue head coach Carol Bruggeman. "Wisconsin outplayed us in every aspect of the game. But, we're confident that we'll bounce back tomorrow at Minnesota and have a better day."
The Boilermakers came out and put runners on base in the first inning, but were unable to convert and score, as the Badgers picked off the lead runner and caused two runners to be left on base at the end of the inning.
In the top of the second inning, with two hits, the Badgers returned the favor and put five runners on the base path, giving Purdue the same opportunity to pick off the lead runners twice at third base.
Again in the bottom of the second inning, the Boilermakers loaded up the bases thanks to one hit by freshman third baseman Shelli Messer and a Badger pitching change and one Wisconsin error. But, the Old Gold and Black still couldn't put any runs across the plate and left the bases loaded.
In the bottom of the third inning, Wisconsin broke out and scored four runs on four hits, starting their drive with two outs. Hitting her third home run of the year, shortstop Kristin Zacher started the rally with a solo shot over the left center field wall. The rally continued with a walk, a single to right field and a single through the left side, just before Sheena Padovan hit a three-run double to centerfield.
Wisconsin scored its fifth run in the fourth inning, when Boo Gillette scored on an Anna Jones single after being walked. The inning would end, however, as the Wisconsin head coach sent the next runner on home. With a great relay throw home by Purdue leftfielder Angi Roembke to catcher Jesse Jones, Badger Kerry Hagen was out at the plate.
The Old Gold and Black scored their only run in the fifth inning when senior shortstop Katie Crabtree started off with a single to right centerfield, stole second and headed home when junior first baseman Heidi Foster hit a double to the right centerfield wall.
The Badgers capped the game off with one last run in the top of the seventh inning with back to back doubles, taking their hit total to 11 for the game.
On the mound for the Boilermakers, junior lefty Leighann Burke made the start and took the loss, dropping to 10-5 on the year. Burke pitched 3.1 innings, allowing six hits and five runs, while striking out one.
Seeing time in relief was senior Nicole Crouse. Crouse pitched 3.2 innings, allowing five hits and one run. She added three strikeouts.
The Boilermakers will return to the field on Sunday when they take on Minnesota at Caswell Park in Mankato, Minn. Game time is scheduled for noon CST. The venue change is a result of weather conditions, rendering Jane Sage Cowles Stadium at Minneapolis unplayable.
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