March 6, 2003
PLANT CITY, Fla. - Purdue committed three errors against Central Michigan, none of which were costly, but a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh clinched a 2-1 victory for the Chippewas in the Boilermakers' first game at the Speedline Invitational.
Senior Leighann Burke walked center fielder Sarah Hamilton to lead off the seventh. Hamilton then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Brittany Decker. An error by the shortstop put Michelle Brander aboard, putting runners at the corners for third baseman Karly McCormick. Burke intentionally walked McCormick to load the bases for Aimee Smith. Smith could do no damage as a low ball got away from the Boilermakers' catcher allowing Hamilton to cross the plate and end the game.
Up to that point, the game had been a defensive battle with both teams forcing stranding several runners. Freshman Diana LaRiva had a shutout going until the fifth inning when Decker launched a long ball over the fence in left field. LaRiva faced one more batter before Burke came in in relief.
The Boilermakers allowed seven hits in the game, but forced CMU to leave 10 runners on in the game.
Purdue's lone run came as a result of good base running and a pair of hits in the third inning. Junior Angela Knight received a free pass from pitcher Amber Puchalski to give the Boilermakers a base runner. Knight then stole second and advanced to third on a single to short by senior Angi Roembke. Roembke then stole second, putting two runners in scoring position for sophomore Andrea Hillsey. Hillsey took advantage of the situation with a RBI single to left field, driving in Knight.
Hillsey led the Boilermakers, going 2-for-3 with a double in first inning and the RBI base hit. Burke took the loss dropping her record to 4-5 on the season, while Puchalski recorded her second win in as many days to move to 4-1 overall.
Purdue will be back in action in a 2 p.m. meeting with the Ole Miss Rebels. The Boilermakers are set for five games on the weekend as part of the 24-team tournament.
The Boilermakers scored one run on seven hits, while committing three errors. Central Michigan posted two runs on seven hits with no errors.