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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermakers (14-21, 3-0 B1G) scored 10 runs on 11 hits to defeat Fort Wayne (7-23) in five innings 10-0 and extend their winning streak to four games Wednesday at Bittinger Stadium. Maddie Damon, Katie Johnson and Brooke Perry all contributed in the combined shutout of the Mastadons, lifting Damon to an 8-7 record on the season.
"We are confident right now," said head coach Boo De Oliveira. "The team is working really hard and they are prepared. They're trusting in the process."
"We have momentum on our side. This win is a good way to head into the weekend against Iowa. This team continues to have grit and fortitude. There is a lot of success in the future for Boilermaker softball."
Kristen Hoppman and Mallory Baker each had multi-hit games, combining for four hits in five at-bats with three walks and three runs scored. Their five hits fueled Purdue's offensive output as they finished with seven runs batted in between them. The bottom of the lineup contributed as well, as seven-eight-nine hitters for the Boilermakers finished four-for-seven with an RBI a pair of walks and five runs scored.
Fort Wayne struggled to retire Boilermakers from the start as Purdue managed to score a run in the first off an RBI single by Baker and two runs in the second thanks to a bases clearing double by Hoppman before plating seven runs in the third inning.
With one out in the third, Katelynn Moody, Lexi Huffman and Stephanie Ramsey recorded three-consecutive singles to drive in a pair of runs, setting up a bases loaded situation for Maya Hughes. Hughes then reached on a fielder's choice as the catcher failed to rein in a throw from the second baseman, allowing a run to score. With the bases loaded, Hoppman delivered a bases-clearing triple to center to give Purdue an 8-0 advantage. Fort Wayne walked the ensuing batter, allowing Alexa Binckes to come through with an RBI single and Kaylah Hampton to knock in Purdue's 10th run of the night with a double to right.
Purdue now looks to improve on its 3-0 record in conference play this weekend against Iowa (6-20, 0-3 B1G) and improve upon its four-game win streak. The first pitch of the series against the Hawkeyes is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Bittinger Stadium.