March 13, 2010
LAKEWOOD, Calif. - Long Beach State's eight-run fourth inning spelled doom for the Boilermaker softball team Friday evening, as Purdue fell 8-4 to the host 49ers to wrap up Day 1 of the Long Beach State Invitational.
LBSU scored its eight runs on seven hits and two Purdue errors, while the Boilermakers managed four runs on six hits and three errors. Freshman Erika Petruzzi led the Purdue bats with a 2-for-4 effort, while junior Shelby Krammer contributed a home run to the team's tally.
Taylor Petty (3-8) struck out eight Boilermakers in the win, while junior Suzie Rzegocki (4-7) issued three Ks in three and a third innings of work for Purdue. Freshman Julia Rice threw two and two thirds hitless innings in relief for the Boilermakers.
Krammer put Purdue on the board with a towering one-out home run that looped just inside the foul pole. Senior Ashley Barr drew a walk and went to second on a grounder, before being joined on base by senior Liz Allum, who was hit by a pitch. A fielder's choice play at third prevented the Boilermakers from adding to their advantage.
The Boilermakers nearly capitalized on a 49er miscue in the third, but could not convert. With two outs, freshman Petruzzi struck out swinging, but wound up on first base as the ball got away from the catcher. An errant throw down to first wound up in right field, allowing Petruzzi to move to third on the play. A walk put freshman Maia Monchek aboard, giving Purdue runners at the corners, but a strikeout prevented any damage.
Freshman Ashley Courtney lifted a one-out double over the head of the left fielder to give Purdue a baserunner in the fourth. With two outs, senior Liane Horiuchi hit a grounder to the shortstop, but the fielder's throw to first sailed high, allowing the score. Horiuchi advanced to second on the play after the defense was called for obstruction, but a strikeout left the score at 2-0.
The 49ers broke the game open in the fourth, scoring eight runs on six hits and an error. A pair of singles and an error loaded the bases to start the stanza. A hit by pitch and walk tied the game at 2-2. A Bridgette Pagano double tacked on two more. A trio of RBI singles and a grounder to first base capped the scoring.
A single and an error by the center fielder put Petruzzi on base with one out in the fifth, but Purdue could not manage a score.
The Boilermakers mounted a seventh-inning rally, scoring two runs on three hits. Sophomore Molly Garst sent a one-out single deep into the 5-6 hole. Senior Jenna Alexander followed with a single through the left side and advanced to second as the 49ers threw to third to hold Garst there. Petruzzi narrowed the gap with a two-run, ground-rule double to left center, plating Garst and pinch runner Aimee Gingerich. A caught foul ball and a fly out left Petruzzi stranded and wrapped up the game.
Purdue (6-10) returns to action at noon ET when it faces off with San Diego. A 2:15 p.m. ET contest with Buffalo closes out Day 2 of the tournament for the Boilermakers.