April 6, 2004
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - A pair of late inning runs lifted Notre Dame to a 4-2 win over Purdue in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader. With the score tied at two after three innings, the Fighting Irish tallied a single run in both the fourth and sixth to propel the team to the win. Purdue will look to rebound in the night cap of the twin bill.
The Boilermakers got on the board first with a single run in the top of the first. Sophomore Tricia Lilley led off with a single up the first base line, then freshman DaQueta Johnson bounced a fly ball of the top of the left center wall for a two-out double, bringing in the run. A strikeout ended the inning.
Notre Dame answered in the bottom of the inning with combining a hit, an error and a walk. Nicole deFau drew a one-out walk, then advanced to third on a Meagan Ruthrauff two-out single up the middle. A fielding error by the center fielder allowed both runners to advance, giving the Irish the tying run.
Lilley gave Purdue another run in the third sending a shot straight up the third base line, bouncing it off fair side of the foul pole for a home run.
The Irish tied it up again in the bottom of the inning on an error, stolen base and base hit. DeFau reached on an error by the first baseman, then stole second, before scoring on a two-out single to left by Ruthrauff. A fly out left Ruthrauff stranded.
Notre Dame scored again with a pair of hits in the fourth. Sara Schoonaert sent a chopper up the third base line, then Nicole Wicks sent a two-out triple into right center, driving in the run. A ground out kept Wicks from scoring.
A Boilermaker miscue gave the Irish another run in the sixth. Liz Hartmann singled up the middle, then advanced to second as Schoonaert walked. Carissa Jaquish then reached on a fielder's choice, as Schoonaert was punched out at second. The second baseman then tried for the double play and overthrew first allowing pinch runner Kenya Fuemmeler to score. Sophomore Diana LaRiva came in to pitch in relief and struck out the inning's final batter.
Junior Katie Absher tallied a bunt single in the top of the seventh, but a fly out and strike out, sealed the Irish victory.
Purdue put a runner on base in all but one inning, but could only convert twice, scoring two runs on seven hits, while committing three errors. Notre Dame scored four runs on six hits in the game.
Lilley led the Boilermakers with a 2-for-3 day at the plate including a home run, while Johnson and senior Angela Knight tallied doubles in the contest. Freshman Brooke Baker (13-4) took the loss after striking out two in five and two-thirds innings of work, while Heather Booth (15-4) picked up the win, K'ing seven in the complete game effort.
The Boilermakers look to rebound in the nighcap of the twin bill which is slated to begin at 6:20 p.m.