IOWA CITY, Iowa – Purdue (32-19, 9-13 Big Ten) mounted a late push but ultimately fell to Iowa, 8-7, on Friday evening at Bob Pearl Field.
Despite outhitting early deficits and posting a seven-run effort, the Boilermakers were unable to overcome a six-run first inning from the Hawkeyes.
BOILER BITS
Offensive Highlights
- Haley Painter: 3-for-3, 3 RBI, HR, 2B, 2 R
- Anna Moore: 1-for-4,HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
- Moriah Polar: 2-for-4, BB, R
- Delaney Reefe: RBI (SF)
Pitching Breakdown - Brianna Fontenot: 0.1 IP, 5 ER
- Brooke Perez: 1.2 IP, 1 ER
- Julia Gossett (L, 12-11): 4.0 IP, 2 ER
Anna Moore got Purdue on the board quickly, launching her 13th home run of the season in the top of the first inning. Haley Painter followed with a standout performance at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
After Purdue struck first, Iowa responded with six runs in the bottom half of the opening frame, capitalizing on multiple extra-base hits to seize control of the game.
The Boilermakers chipped away throughout the contest, plating a run in the third on an RBI groundout from Bella Douglas before breaking through with a four-run fourth inning. Painter highlighted the rally with a three-run home run, while Moore added an RBI to bring Purdue within one.
Iowa answered in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run frame, extending its lead back to three.
Purdue continued to battle, adding a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Delaney Reefe to make it a one-run game once again. The Boilermakers threatened in the seventh, after a single, an error, and an intentional walk to the nation’s hits leader, Moriah Polar.
The Hawkeyes were forced to face Moore, who launched a three-run double to the fence, but it was ultimately called back after Iowa won the challenge, calling out the runner on third base for leaving early.
Purdue tallied eight hits and drew five walks in the contest, but after a tough break, the Hawkeyes secured the win.
In the circle, Brianna Fontenot got the start before Purdue turned to Brooke Perez and Julia Gossett in relief. Gossett was charged with the loss after working the final four innings.
Purdue continues Big Ten play tomorrow against Iowa at 2:00 p.m. est.
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