Box Score: HTML / PDF
EVANSTON, Ill. - Purdue (17-32, 6-11 B1G) fell to the Wildcats 6-3 on Northwestern's (20-23, 6-9 B1G) Senior Day despite a strong effort in relief by Katie Johnson on Sunday at Drysdale Field. Lexi Huffman and Lexi Valone each finished with multi-hit efforts for the Boilermakers.
In the second at-bat of the game, Kristen Hoppman provided a spark in Purdue's offense with a double to left-center. Following a walk by Mallory Baker and a successful double steal attempt, Alexa Binckes drove in the first run of the ballgame with a sacrifice fly. Huffman and Kaylah Hampton proceeded to follow with back-to-back singles, scoring Baker and the Boilermakers were out to a quick 2-0 lead following the top of the first.
The Wildcats promptly responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning and would add a run in each of the following two innings to own a 5-2 advantage after three innings of play. Johnson then entered the game and delivered four quality innings to give the Boilermakers a chance at a comeback.
Purdue wouldn't strike again until the fifth inning when Huffman launched a solo shot to left to pull the Boilermakers within two. However, the one run is all Purdue would get the rest of the contest as Northwestern scored an unearned run in the sixth to seal the 6-3 victory.
With Huffman's multi-hit day she finishes the series with four runs batted in on three hits with a run scored. Valone's two-hit day gives her three hits in five at-bats on the series. Of the three hits, two were for extra bases as she doubled and homered in her home state of Illinois.
Minnesota is next on the docket for the Boilermakers. Purdue will begin its three-game series with the Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m. ET.
- Tickets