April 22, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Boilermaker softball team downed its second ranked opponent in less than a week, topping No. 14 Ohio State with a trio of third inning tallies.
Purdue posted its three runs on six hits and an error, while allowing OSU two runs on five hits and two miscues. Junior Jenna Alexander, freshman Molly Garst and junior Ashley Barr each went 2-for-3 to account for the Boilermaker hits.
Sophomore Suzie Rzegocki (19-10) struck out five in the complete game victory, while Kim Reeder (19-4) issued five Ks in the loss for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes managed a run on two hits in the bottom of the first. A pair of singles and a walk loaded the bases with nobody out, then a sacrifice fly pushed a run across. A pair of pop ups prevented further damage.
The Boilermakers posted their first hit of the game as junior Jenna Alexander bounced a single off the left center wall. A double play emptied the basepaths, then a grounder to short ended the inning.
OSU loaded the bases again in the second on a dropped third strike, a fielding error and a walk, but this time Purdue was able to prevent a score.
Senior Christina Trauger was hit by a pitch with one out in the third and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice. A fly ball to deep right field, however, left her stranded.
The Boilermakers dodged a bullet as the Buckeyes loaded the bases with two outs in the third. A pop up wrapped up the stanza with three OSU players left on base.
Purdue took the lead with three runs on three hits and an error in the fourth. Senior Katie Mitchell drew a one-out walk. Alexander lifted a single into rightt center and advanced to second as the right fielder booted the ball. Mitchell went to third on the play. Both runners came home the following play as freshman Molly Garst sent a single up the middle. Garst went on to second as the throw came home, then scored as junior Ashley Barr lasered a two-out single up the gut. The throw home pushed Barr to second, where she was left stranded to end the inning.
OSU got a run back in the bottom of the inning, capitalizing on a Boilermaker miscue. Dee Dee Hillman reached on a bunt single to start the inning. A one-out single up the middle by Sam Marder allowed Hillman to go to third. Pinch runner Katie Simonton and Hillman pulled off a double steal for the run. Garst hit a two-out single to center field in the sixth, but was caught stealing to end the inning.
Barr added her second hit with a single back at the pitcher in the seventh, but was doubled off to prevent any scoring.
Marder drew a leadoff walk in the final stanza, but a pair of fielder's choice plays at second base and a fly out sealed the Purdue win.
The Boilermakers (24-16, 7-6 Big Ten) look to pull off the sweep with a Game 2 win over the Buckeyes.