Feb. 23, 2007
Feb. 23, 2007
MIAMI - Steady pitching and strong bats helped the Boilermaker softball team to a 5-1 win over Syracuse Friday afternoon. Six different Purdue players contributed hits to the effort.
The Boilermakers jumped on the scoreboard early with a run on two hits and an error in the opening stanza. Junior Ashley Hall (Noblesville, Ind.) led off with a bunt single, then stole second, before scoring as freshman Kelsey Haupert (Olympia, Wash.) reached on a bunt single and took second on a muffed catch by the second baseman. Sophomore Katie Mitchell (Crown Point, Ind.) joined Haupert on a walk, but both were left stranded.
Purdue added to its lead with a run on a hit and an error in the second. Senior Catherine Zaworski (Prospect Heights, Ill.) took advantage of a throwing error by the pitcher to start the stanza, then stole second, before scoring a on double to center by sophomore Candace Curtis (Danville, Ind.). A walk and a passed ball put runners in scoring position, but the Boilermakers could not convert them into scores.
Syracuse got one run back in the bottom of the second, combining an Erin Gray single, a sacrifice, a ground ball and a Purdue error for the score.
Mitchell led off the third inning with a walk, then went to second as freshman Jenna Alexander (Rancho Murieta, Calif.) reached on a fielder's choice. Mitchell went to second on the play, then advanced to third as the pitcher's delayed throw sailed wide of first base. Senior DaQueta Johnson (Ontario, Calif.) plated both runners with a double off the wall in right center.
Mitchell made it a 5-1 game with a two-out solo home run over the center field wall in the fourth inning.
The Orange managed a hit in each of the last three innings, but the Boilermaker defense kept them off the scoreboard.
The Boilermakers scored five runs on eight hits and four SU errors, while Syracuse scored one run on four hits and one Purdue miscue. Curtis led the Boilermaker bats with a 3-for-4 day at the plate.
Senior Brooke Baker (Schererville, Ind.) picked up the complete-game victory, while striking out three Syracuse batters. Keri Casas was charged with the loss for the Orange.
Purdue (3-8) returns to action at 6:30 p.m. when they take on the host Florida International Golden Panthers.