LINCOLN, Neb.— A tense battle at Nebraska to open Big Ten play ended in a 7-9 decision in favor of Nebraska. A neck-and-neck game had Purdue softball ahead, 7-6, after the fourth inning, but a three-run homer in the sixth inning proved to be the decision-maker, despite the Boilermakers loading the bases in the seventh inning.
With the result, Purdue moves to 15-14 on the season while Nebraska improves to 21-9.
Purdue's five runs over the first two innings were the most this season to start a game.
Although Purdue was out-hit 8-13 in the outing, the game's difference-maker was the runners left stranded, which Boilermakers left 11 compared to Nebraska's eight.
Leading Purdue's offensive effort was Tyrina Jones with two runs, a hit and a walk, meanwhile Olivia McFadden secured a team-best two RBI on two hits, along with a run.
Center fielder Kiara Dillon had a good night defensively, notching three throws to home to cut off Husker scoring attempts, including a tag out at home as the throw was made to catcher Anna Lonchar in time for the out.
Four pitchers saw time in the circle for Purdue: Madi Elish, Alex Echazarreta, Alexa Pinarski and Mo Wimpee. Wimpee (4-3) was tabbed the loss after closing out the final 1.2 innings pitched. Wimpee entered in relief in the fifth inning with two runners in scoring position and got the Boilermakers out of a jam as she fed the defense a grounder and followed it up with a strikeout swinging to end the Huskers chance to score. Wimpee allowed two hits.
Two games remain in the series at Nebraska. Purdue will take on the Huskers tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET before finishing the series Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Both games will be streamed on B1G+.
With the result, Purdue moves to 15-14 on the season while Nebraska improves to 21-9.
Purdue's five runs over the first two innings were the most this season to start a game.
Although Purdue was out-hit 8-13 in the outing, the game's difference-maker was the runners left stranded, which Boilermakers left 11 compared to Nebraska's eight.
Leading Purdue's offensive effort was Tyrina Jones with two runs, a hit and a walk, meanwhile Olivia McFadden secured a team-best two RBI on two hits, along with a run.
Center fielder Kiara Dillon had a good night defensively, notching three throws to home to cut off Husker scoring attempts, including a tag out at home as the throw was made to catcher Anna Lonchar in time for the out.
Four pitchers saw time in the circle for Purdue: Madi Elish, Alex Echazarreta, Alexa Pinarski and Mo Wimpee. Wimpee (4-3) was tabbed the loss after closing out the final 1.2 innings pitched. Wimpee entered in relief in the fifth inning with two runners in scoring position and got the Boilermakers out of a jam as she fed the defense a grounder and followed it up with a strikeout swinging to end the Huskers chance to score. Wimpee allowed two hits.
Two games remain in the series at Nebraska. Purdue will take on the Huskers tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET before finishing the series Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Both games will be streamed on B1G+.