March 11, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State Bulldogs used home field advantage and timely hitting to issue the Purdue softball team a 7-2 loss Saturday night.
The Bulldogs scored first with a run on two hits in the bottom of the second. A Kristin Sylvester double plated the run.
The Boilermakers threatened in the third as freshman Jenna Alexander (Rancho Murieta, Calif) doubled up the left line to start the stanza. Pinch runner Christina Trauger (Santa Rosa, Calif.) went to third on a ground ball, but was left stranded.
Fresno State tacked on two more runs on three hits in the third as Merryann Barr and Robin Mackin tallied RBI singles. The Bulldogs made it 5-0 with two runs on three hits and an error in the fourth. Senior Brooke Baker (Schererville, Ind.) took over on the mound for the Boilermakers with one out and base loaded in the inning.
Purdue put two runs on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. Sophomore Alicia Spack (West Lafayette, Ind.) drew a two-out walk, then advanced to second on an illegal pitch. Sophomore Kelly Miller (Indianapolis, Ind.) joined her on base with a walk, then the duo moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Junior Ashley Hall (Noblesville, Ind.) made good on the RBI opportunity, plating both runs with a single just inside the right field line.
The Bulldogs got both runs back in the sixth. A pair of singles and a sacrifice put two runners in scoring position. A close play at the plate on a fielder's choice scored the first, and a ground ball to short brought in the second.
Senior Erika Peterson (Irvine, Calif.) and Alexander singled to start the seventh, but a pop up, strikeout and ground out wrapped up the game.
Purdue scored two runs on five hits, while Fresno State managed seven runs on 11 hits. Alexander led the Boilermakers with a 2-for-3 effort.
Robin Mackin (12-6) earned the complete game win for the Bulldogs, while sophomore Ashley DiDomenico (Youngstown, Ohio) was saddled with the loss for the Boilermakers.
Purdue returns to action at 11:30 a.m. Sunday when the team takes on Colorado State to wrap up its stay at the Bulldog Classic.