March 30, 2008
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Sixth-ranked Michigan proved to be too strong for the Boilermaker softball team Sunday afternoon, issuing Purdue an 8-0 loss. The Boilermakers posted just one hit in the contest, a fifth-inning single by sophomore Jenna Alexander.
Michigan scored its eight runs on 13 hits and one Purdue miscue.
Nikki Nemitz (13-1) earned the complete game victory for the Wolverines, while freshman Suzie Rzegocki (9-4) was charged with the loss for Purdue, striking out one in four innings of work. Junior Ashley DiDomenico tossed the final inning for the Boilermakers.
Each team put two runners on in the first inning, but could not score.
Michigan broke through in the second as Teddi Ewing sent a two-run single up the middle, driving in runners from second and third.
The Wolverines added two more runs with two outs in the third as Dorian Shaw hit a sharp single through the left side, plating both runners who waited in scoring position.
With the bases loaded and no one out in the fourth, Angela Findlay doubled to left center, clearing the bags and putting Michigan up 7-0.
The Boilermakers switched pitchers in the fifth inning, but could not stop the Wolverines from adding another run to its tally. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases, then Samantha Findlay drew a walk to plate the run. The next batter hit into a double play to end the inning.
Sophomore Jenna Alexander snapped Nemitz's bid for a no-hitter with a one-out single to right field in the bottom of the fifth. A sacrifice moved her into scoring position, but a ground ball to the pitcher ended the contest via run rule.
The Boilermakers (23-9, 2-1 Big Ten) look to rebound with a win in Game 2 of the doubleheader, which is slated to begin at 3 p.m.