Feb. 14, 2003
LAS VEGAS - A four-hit fourth inning was all No. 3 California needed to maintain its perfect 8-0 record and give the Boilermakers a loss to open the UNLV Classic.
The Golden Bears' top hitter, first baseman Veronica Nelson, started things off with single to center field. Senior Jesse Jones cleared the base paths, catching pitch runner Linzi Wescott attempting to steal second. Cal got another base runner as designated player Haley Woods knocked a single through the left side, and was replaced at first by LeAnna Hoglen. Senior Angi Roembke caught a Courtney Scott fly ball for the second out of the inning, but Cal was not done yet. Jessica Pamanian recorded a base hit up the middle to put runners at first and second. Shortstop Chelsea Spencer tallied the lone RBI of the game with a single to left center to score Hoglen. Pamanian tried to give the Bears a second run, but was called out at home as Roembke heaved the ball to freshman shortstop Tricia Lilley who got the ball to catcher Jesse Jones just in time to tag the runner out on the slide to end the inning.
Purdue had its chances, but failed to drive in a tying run. Senior Heidi Foster singled to center in the second to put a man on, but pinch runner Katie Absher was caught stealing second. Senior Jesse Jones out ran and errant throw by the shortstop to give Purdue another base runner. Senior Andrea Roush singled through the left side to bump Jones to second and give the Boilermakers a runner in scoring position with only one out. Back-to-back strikeouts, two of pitcher Kelly Anderson's nine on the day, ended the inning, leaving the two stranded.
Jones struck again in the fourth inning, tallying a two-out single to center, but again the Boilermakers were unable to score.
Cal scored one run on six hits, leaving seven runners on base, while committing one error. Purdue posted three hits, while stranding four. Each team had a runner caught stealing. Anderson moves to 5-0 on the year with the victory, while senior Leighann Burke drops to 1-2 with the loss.
The Boilermakers are now 0-3 against Cal after falling in an eight-inning battle (3-1) on March 15, 2001, and a 2-0 in the initial meeting on March 13, 1999. All three have been neutral site games.
Purdue will take a short break before taking on host UNLV in a 10 p.m. EST matchup.