April 10, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermakers are still searching for their first Big Ten victory after Illinois posted a 7-4 come-from-behind victory on Saturday. The Boilermakers led early, but a hit barrage in the later innings gave the Illini the series sweep. Purdue looks to rebound in a noon doubleheader against Iowa (25-15, 6-0) on Sunday.
The Boilermakers wasted no time getting on the board against the Illini, scoring three runs on two hits in the opening stanza. Senior Angela Knight got things started with a single up the first baseline, then was joined on base by sophomore Tricia Liley, who walked. Freshman DaQueta Johnson then cleared the bases with a towering shot over the center field wall, giving Purdue a 3-0 lead. A pop up and caught foul ball ended the rally.
"We started off the game very well," head coach Carol Bruggeman said. "We came out with a lot of intensity and had a huge three-run home run by DaQueta, but really that was the highlight of the day. Unfortunately, the injuries continue to mound for us but everyone else has to find a way to step up and play better defense. Hopefully, we will bounce back tomorrow against Iowa. Our focus will be on our defense because we don't know what line up we are going to have."
Illinois cut the margin to one with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. Rachelle Coriddi put down a bunt single to lead off for the Illini, before being called out when Lindsey Hamma hit into a fielder's choice. Jenna Hall then posted a two-run round tripper to make it 3-2. The final batter of the inning struck out looking.
The Illini tied it up in the third inning. Erin Montgomery singled through the right side, then advanced to second on a fielding error by the left fielder. Erin Jones then hit a sharp single to first base, moving Montgomery to third. Erin O'Connell then tapped a short single to third base, scoring Montgomery. O'Connell advanced to second on the play, while Jones moved to third. A pop up and ground out ended the inning.
Junior Shelli Messer left the game after the third inning with a finger injury sparking a slew of defensive changes for the Boilermakers. Freshman Catherine Zaworski entered the game in left field, while sophomore Staci Falzon moved to center. Lauren Devich moved from second to third, while Katie Absher took over at second base.
Illinois tacked on four runs on four hits in the fourth to take the lead. Pinch hitter Lauren Gronski drew a walk to lead off the inning, then moved to third as Coriddi reach on an errant throw by the second baseman and advanced to second on the play. Hamma made good on the RBI opportunity with a two-run double into center field. Montgomery then hit a one-out double up the left line, bringing Hamma around to score. Jones sent a triple into right field, scoring Montgomery. O'Connell grounded into a double play to get Purdue out of the inning.
The Boilermakers got one run back in the top of the sixth as Lilley launched her fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to left field, to lead off the inning.
The Illini threatened in the sixth, loading the bases on a trio of hits, but could not convert thanks to a strikeout, pop up and fly out.
Devich posted a one-out single to right in the seventh, but a foul out and pop up sealed the game for Illinois.
Devich, Lilley, Knight and Johnson each posted a hit as the Boilermakers scored four runs, while Illinois managed seven runs on 13 hits. Freshman Brooke Baker (13-6) was charged with the loss after throwing two and third innings in relief. LaRiva struck out four batters in a combined three and two thirds innings of work. Amanda Fortune (16-7) picked up the win for Illinois.
Purdue (23-15, 0-4) looks to get into the Big Ten win column when it takes on Iowa (25-15, 6-0) in a Sunday doubleheader. First pitch is slated for noon.