ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Purdue Softball struck first but was unable to hold off a pair of multi-run innings, falling 9–1 to Michigan on Friday afternoon at Hutchins Stadium.
The Boilers (24-9) drop to 4-3 in Big Ten conference play while Michigan earned its first conference victory.
BOILER BITS
Offensive Highlights
- Moriah Polar: 3-for-3, 2B, R, SB
- Anna Moore: BB, SB
- Delaney Reefe: RBI (sac-fly)
- Maura Condon: 1-for-2,
Pitching Breakdown
- Julia Gossett: (L, 9-6) 4.2 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 8 ER, BB, 3 K
Purdue threatened early in the first inning, putting two runners in scoring position after a double from Moriah Polar, a walk to Anna Moore, and a hit-by-pitch to Haley Painter, but Michigan worked out of the jam to keep the game scoreless.
The Boilermakers broke through in the third. Polar reached and advanced to third following a fielding error and a double steal with Moore. Delaney Reefe then lifted a sacrifice-fly to center, allowing Polar to score and give Purdue a 1–0 lead.
Michigan responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. After a walk and a double put runners in scoring position, the Wolverines plated three runs on a two-run home run and an RBI double to take a 3–1 lead.
The game remained steady through the fourth before Michigan broke it open in the fifth. The Wolverines used a leadoff single and a fielder’s choice to set the table before a two-run home run extended the lead. Later in the inning, a grand slam to right field pushed the margin to 9–1, ending the game with a decisive run-rule.
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