ORLANDO, Fla. - Despite a powerful start, which saw three Boilermaker runs in the first inning, Purdue was held scoreless for the remainder of the game to ultimately fall to Louisville, 3-4, to close out the Knights Classic. With the result, Purdue's record drops to 8-5, while Louisville, which was receiving votes in the latest polls, improves to 9-4.
The Boilermakers' sound defense held the Cardinals scoreless for four innings, but home runs by Louisville were ultimately Purdue's downfall, as a home run by the Cardinals in the top of the fifth tied the game up, 3-3 and another homer in the sixth proved to be the game-winner. Purdue kept fighting, leaving two runners stranded at the bottom of the sixth inning, but were unable to find home.
Purdue's runs were collected by Tyrina Jones, Kyndall Bailey and Anna Lonchar in the first inning.
In total, the Boilermakers registered nine hits in the outing, led by Kiersen George's three, which included a double. The other six singles were notched by Becca Edwards, Jade Moy, Jones, and a pair from Lonchar.
Fifth-year righty Alex Echazarreta (1-4) received the loss in her 2.1 innings pitched despite her two registered strikeouts and only one run allowed. Alexa Pinarski preceded with 4.2 innings pitched to start the game, earning one strikeout.
Purdue had a fierce start securing three runs in the first inning thanks to Jones, Bailey and Lonchar. Moy and Khloe Banks registered an RBI while Jones capitalized a run off a Louisville wild pitch.
The Boilermakers will be back next weekend in Chapel Hill, N.C. for the Carolina Classic. The games will last the duration of the weekend Friday March 3-Sunday March 5, and face North Carolina and James Madison twice each.