Feb. 28, 2014
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Sophomore Lilly Fecho struck out eight batters and the Boilermakers had the game-tying run on third base, but could not overtake No. 9 Florida State in a 2-1 loss Friday afternoon.
FSU managed its two runs on five hits and an error, while Purdue scored its one run on four hits and an error. Jessica Burroughs (7-0) picked up the win for the Seminoles with two strikeouts in four and a third innings, while Jessica Nori earned her second save of the season, striking out two in the final two and two thirds.
Senior Maia Monchek registered the first hit of the game with a two to left center in the opening stanza, but was left stranded.
FSU paired a hit and a walk for a score in the bottom of the inning. A leadoff walk and a steal set the table for a Bailey Schinella RBI single to left. A double followed putting runners at second and third, but Fecho caught the next Seminole batter looking to get out of the inning.
Florida State loaded the bases in the third with a pair of two out walks and a single, but again Fecho came through with a looking K to prevent any damage.
Senior Lindsey Rains drew a two-out walk in the fourth and swiped second but the Boilers couldn't bring her home.
A pair of singles and an error on a sacrifice filled the bases for the Seminoles in the bottom of the fourth. An infield fly resulted in a double play, but not before the FSU runner at third scored to make it 2-0.
Purdue combined a leadoff double by freshman Kristen Hoppman and a one-out single by sophomore Mary Gooding to cut into the deficit in the fifth. Junior Gabi Brown reached on a fielder's choice and stole second, but Purdue couldn't get the tying run in.
Rains added Purdue's fourth hit, a bunt single in the sixth, but was caught stealing to end the inning.
A misplayed fly ball put freshman Katy McJunkin on second start the seventh inning. A sacrifice by Hoppman moved her to third, but a ground ball on the infield and a strikeout kept Purdue from extending the game.
The Boilermakers (5-8-1) take on No. 11 Alabama at 5 p.m. ET.