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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. ââ'¬" The Boilermakers held No. 22 Minnesota off the scoreboard for four innings, but could not knock off the Gophers in a 5-0 loss on Friday.
Minnesota managed five run on 12 hits in the game, while allowing Purdue just four hits in the game. Senior Paris Andrew reached base three times, with a single, a double and a walk.
Sara Groenewegen (15-4) issued 13 strikeouts in the victory for the Gophers, while senior Lilly Fecho (13-5) struck out four batters in six and two thirds innings of work in the loss. Sophomore Gina Snyder struck out one batter after entering the game in relief.
The Boilermakers put two aboard in the first inning as senior Mary Gooding singled and freshman Lauren Stewart walked, but could not turn the runners into runs.
After forcing the Gophers to strand two runners in the second after a single and hit by pitch, Purdue put another runner in scoring position after a double by Andrew in the bottom of the inning. A wild pitch moved her to third, but an infield grounder ended the inning.
Minnesota managed back to back singles and a sacrifice to start the third, but the Boilermaker defense held with a fielder's choice play at the plate and a ground ball.
Senior Katie Harrison added another hit for the Boilermakers, sending a double up the left field line in the third, but Purdue could not bring her home.
A double, an intentional walk and a walk loaded the bases for the Gophers in the fourth, but Fecho issued a strikeout to get out of the jam.
Andrew tallied her second hit of the day with a two-out bunt single in the fourth, but was left aboard.
Minnesota combined five singles for three runs in the fifth. After allowing the trio of RBI singles, the Boilermakers forced a fielder's choice play at the plate and a ground ball to the pitcher to prevent further damage and leave three Gophers on base.
Junior Kristen Hoppman reached on a dropped third strike in the fifth, but again the Boilermakers came up empty.
The Gophers tacked on two more runs in the seventh. A Groenewegen double plated the first run, while a double by Sam Macken brought her in from third for the second score. A strikeout ended the inning.
The Boilermakers kept hope alive as Andrew was hit by a pitch to start the home half of the seventh. Hoppman drew a two-out walk to keep things going, but a strikeout ended the comeback try.
Purdue (18-12, 0-1 Big Ten) will face the Golden Gophers again at 1 p.m. Saturday. The first 100 patrons will receive a free Purdue seat cushion.