WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The series finale vs. Omaha came down to the final batter, with four runs by the Boilermakers and the walk-off at the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning before a double play by the Mavericks ended the game. With it, Purdue softball fell 5-6 to Omaha.
Purdue loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning, leading to four runs. In total, the Boilermakers registered two walks, a single, a two RBI double and a two RBI single in the final frame.
The Boilermaker effort was led by Khloe Banks, who posted two runs on three hits with two RBI. The sophomore outfielder scored Purdue's first run in the sixth inning, then registered a two RBI double to bring the score 6-3 with one out in the seventh inning. Banks went on to score on Sage Scarmardo's two RBI single along with Moriah Polar to bring the score within one.
Purdue's defense came in clutch in the fifth inning. After the Mavericks loaded the bases, Purdue secured three straight outs with a throw from Tyrina Jones to Hailey Hayes for a fielder's choice out at home. On the next at-bat, Tyrina Jones made a jumping catch for the second out, followed by an unassisted play by first baseman Alivia Meeks to end the frame.
With the result, Purdue falls to 11-14 while Omaha improves to 21-7.
Receiving the loss was starter Julia Gossett (4-5). The freshman allowed four runs in the second inning before sophomore Emma Bailey entered in relief for the next two innings, allowing one hit, one run and one walk. Meanwhile, Olivia Cainey closed the game for the Boilermakers, tossing a career-high-tying four strikeouts. In total the committee, comprised entirely of underclassmen, registered six strikeouts, which were one shy of the team's season-high.
Purdue continues its four-game homestand with a midweek vs. Eastern Illinois on Wednesday. The game, slated for a 5 p.m. ET start on B1G+, will be the final game before the Boilermakers kick-off Big Ten action at Michigan next weekend. Attendance to all home games are free.
Purdue loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning, leading to four runs. In total, the Boilermakers registered two walks, a single, a two RBI double and a two RBI single in the final frame.
The Boilermaker effort was led by Khloe Banks, who posted two runs on three hits with two RBI. The sophomore outfielder scored Purdue's first run in the sixth inning, then registered a two RBI double to bring the score 6-3 with one out in the seventh inning. Banks went on to score on Sage Scarmardo's two RBI single along with Moriah Polar to bring the score within one.
Purdue's defense came in clutch in the fifth inning. After the Mavericks loaded the bases, Purdue secured three straight outs with a throw from Tyrina Jones to Hailey Hayes for a fielder's choice out at home. On the next at-bat, Tyrina Jones made a jumping catch for the second out, followed by an unassisted play by first baseman Alivia Meeks to end the frame.
With the result, Purdue falls to 11-14 while Omaha improves to 21-7.
Receiving the loss was starter Julia Gossett (4-5). The freshman allowed four runs in the second inning before sophomore Emma Bailey entered in relief for the next two innings, allowing one hit, one run and one walk. Meanwhile, Olivia Cainey closed the game for the Boilermakers, tossing a career-high-tying four strikeouts. In total the committee, comprised entirely of underclassmen, registered six strikeouts, which were one shy of the team's season-high.
Purdue continues its four-game homestand with a midweek vs. Eastern Illinois on Wednesday. The game, slated for a 5 p.m. ET start on B1G+, will be the final game before the Boilermakers kick-off Big Ten action at Michigan next weekend. Attendance to all home games are free.