March 13, 2010
LAKEWOOD, Calif. - It was a true team effort as all 15 players took the field in some capacity in Purdue's 9-2 win over Buffalo Saturday afternoon at the Long Beach State Invitational.
Purdue scored nine runs on 11 hits and three errors, while allowing Buffalo two runs on nine hits and two errors. Senior Liane Horiuchi went 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and two stolen bases. Freshmen Erika Petruzzi and Ashley Courtney and senior Ashley Barr contributed two hits apiece to the team's tally.
Petruzzi (2-2) picked up the victory after tossing three innings of scoreless relief. Freshman Julia Rice struck out one batter in the opening three innings, while junior Suzie Rzegocki issued two Ks in the seventh inning. Terese Diaz (1-5) was saddled with the loss for Buffalo.
The Boilermakers wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard as it only took one swing of the bat. Senior Liane Horiuchi triple to deep right center and came home as the relay throw to third bounced off the glove of the third baseman. Freshman Maia Monchek added a one-out single through the right side and went to second on a grounder, but was left stranded.
For its part, Buffalo stranded two runners in the bottom of the inning after a pair of singles.
The Bulls capitalized on a Purdue miscue to tie the game in the second. A throwing error by the third baseman put a runner on with one out. A single and fielder's choice followed, giving UB two on with two outs. A Kristin Waldon single to right brought in the run, before a ground ball to third capped the inning.
Purdue got the run back in the third as Horiuchi singled to start the inning and swiped second and third, setting the table for sophomore Molly Garst. Garst reached on a fielding error by the second baseman as Horiuchi scurried home. A grounder to first base and a double play kept the score at 2-1.
Buffalo countered with a run on a hit in the third. A single up the middle, a walk and a hit batsman loaded the bases with one out. A close play at the plate on a fielder's choice suicide squeeze drove in the run. Another fielder's choice play at third and a grounder to the pitcher left three runners on base.
Petruzzi's single up the middle and freshman Ashley Courtney's single to center followed by a sacrifice gave Purdue runners in scoring position with one out in the fourth. A wild pitch brought Petruzzi home and pushed Courtney to third. Senior Ashley Barr picked up the RBI with a bouncing single to second base. Barr swiped second and scored as Horiuchi hit a tweener into left field. Horiuchi went to second on the throw home. After a crazy rundown play, Horiuchi wound up safe at third after an errant throw by the first baseman. Garst was then hit by a pitch and stole second, but both were left stranded by a grounder to first.
The Boilermakers continued to add some insurance runs in the fifth. Senior Jenna Alexander drew a leadoff walk. Pinch runner Kayla Yates went to second on a bunt single by Petruzzi. Courtney doubled to deep left center, driving in both and prompting a Buffalo pitching change. Sharon Barr took over in the circle and junior Shelby Krammer quickly bounced a single off the new pitcher's shin. A fielder's choice play at second base put pinch hitter Aimee Gingerich on base and gave Purdue runners at the corners with one out. Barr added another RBI to her tally with a single to center field, pushing Gingerich to third, from which she scored the following play on a Horiuchi sacrifice fly. Barr was caught stealing to end the inning.
The Bulls made one final charge, loading the bases on a walk and two singles in the seventh. A strikeout and a fielder's choice play at third, however, sealed the Purdue win.
The Boilermakers return to action at noon ET Sunday, when they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.