March 21, 2004
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Boilermakers strung together eight hits including a home run en route to topping Tennessee State 3-0 Sunday morning to wrap up the Capital Classic. Purdue went 4-1 at the tournament which guarantees the team at least a tie for second place. The team returns to action for its home opener in West Lafayette on Wednesday against Valparaiso.
The Boilermakers used a pair of hits in the bottom of the first to score the game's first run. Senior Angela Knight hit a one-out double off the left center fence, then advanced to third on a passed ball. Sophomore Tricia Lilley then singled through the left side to bring her home. A fielder's choice and fly ball to center ended the inning.
Purdue struck again with two runs in the fourth. Redshirt sophomore Kristen Schell launched a solo home run over the fence in deep center with one out to make it 2-0 Boilermakers. The team then combined a walk and a pair of singles to score again. Freshman Katie Fortune walked, then junior Katie Absher singled through the left side, sending pinch runner Cheryl Buergler to second. Junior Shelli Messer then singled to the shortstop, who overthrew second trying to make a play on Absher. The error allowed Absher to advance to third and Buergler to score. A ground out left Messer stranded after she stole second.
The Boilermakers had a chance to score again in the sixth, but couldn't convert. Schell walked to start the inning, but was out on a Catherine Zaworski fielder's choice. Zaworski then stole second and moved to third on an Absher single to second base. A high fly ball to right kept the team from scoring.
Tennessee State posted three hits in the contest, one each in the first, second and fifth innings, but never moved a runner past second base. Purdue scored its three runs on eight hits and with help from one Tiger miscue.
Freshman Brooke Baker (10-2) struck out eight, while walking just two in the complete game win, while Tarah Evanisko (3-5) was charged with the loss after four innings of work.
Knight and Absher led the Boilermaker bats with two hits apiece, while Schell hit her second long ball of the season.
The Boilermakers will now return to West Lafayette to prepare for their home opening doubleheader with Valparaiso on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.