Feb. 10, 2006
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Missed opportunities marred the Boilermaker softball team's season-opening game against South Carolina, as Purdue left eight runners on base in a 2-0 loss to the Gamecocks at the Florida Atlantic Worth Invitational Friday.
South Carolina put a runner in scoring position in the third inning as Whitney Wierzbicki singled and advanced to second on a Purdue throwing error. A two-out single drove in the game's first run, before a strikeout ended the inning.
Purdue threatened to even the score in the bottom of the inning, but the Boilermakers were unable to convert. Senior Kristen Schell (San Diego, Calif.) reached on a throwing error by the shortstop. Freshman Kelly Miller (Indianapolis, Ind.) pinch ran for Schell, but her stay on base was short-lived as senior Lauren Devich (Bloomington, Ind.) reached on a fielder's choice. Sophomore Ashley Hall (Noblesville, Ind.) followed with a fielder's choice of her own, but Devich was safe at second after a fielding error by the second baseman. Sophomore Tiffany Krcelich (Granger, Ind.) singled to the pitcher to load the bases. A ground out to first base kept the Boilermakers off the scoreboard.
Junior Erika Peterson (Irvine, Calif.) doubled to right center with two outs in the fourth, then advanced to third on a bunt single by senior Becky Stone (Belleville, Ill.). A grounder to the pitcher stranded both runners.
Krcelich supplied another hit in the fifth inning with a two-out single to third, but could not score.
The Gamecocks added to their lead with a run on a hit and an error in the seventh inning. Ashton Payne led off with a single to the pitcher and advanced to second on a sacrifice. She then scored as Jessica Josker reached on a fielding error by the second baseman. A pop up to first prevented further damage.
The Boilermakers put two aboard in the bottom of the seventh, keeping hope alive, but couldn't manufacture the runs to extend the game. Schell sent a one-out single into left field. Pinch runner Christina Trauger (Santa Rosa, Calif.) moved to third on the following play after two Gamecock errors. Devich reached on an error by the third baseman, moving Trauger to second, then the shortstop commited a throwing error advancing both runners. A ground ball to the pitcher and a swinging strikeout marked the end of Purdue's comeback hopes.
Purdue tallied five hits in the contest, led by Krcelich's 2-for-4 effort, while South Carolina scored two unearned runs on five hits.
Junior Brooke Baker (Schererville, Ind.) was charged with the loss, despite striking out eight batters, just one short of her career best. Christie Hamilton (1-0) earned the victory for South Carolina.
The Boilermakers (0-1) look to rebound against the Pittsburgh Panthers at 1 p.m.