April 1, 2010
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Butler Bulldogs topped the Purdue softball team 3-0 in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader, salvaging a series split.
The Bulldogs scored three runs on five hits and an error, while the Boilermakers managed just two hits in the game. Seniors Jenna Alexander and Liz Allum supplied the offense. Purdue stranded four runners on base, including one in scoring position.
Breanna Fisher (4-1) earned the complete-game victory for the Bulldogs, while junior Suzie Rzegocki was saddled with the loss for Purdue despite striking out three and allowing just five hits in the contest.
After being shutout in Game 1 of the twin bill, Butler was quick to capitalize on scoring opportunities in Game 2, driving in a run on two hits in the opening stanza. A bunt single put Bulldog leadoff Erin Jackson on base. A fielder's choice play with all hands safe put another runner on base. Erin Falkenberry sent a one-out single up the middle to drive in Jackson. A pair of ground outs stranded runners at the corners.
Alexander picked up a leadoff walk in the second, but the Boilermakers could not advance her past first base.
The Bulldogs tacked on two more runs on three hits in the third. Back-to-back singles started the inning, again setting the table for Falkenberry, who gave Butler a 3-0 lead with a two-run double off the right center wall. A pair of grounders and a strikeout kept BU from adding to its advantage.
Senior Liane Horiuchi earned a two-out free pass in the third, but the Boilermakers again could not convert.
Purdue had its best scoring opportunity in the fourth. Alexander posted the team's first hit, tapping a one-out single into shallow left field. Alexander was out at second the next play as freshman Ashley Courtney reached. Courtney went to second on Allum's single through the left side, but a grounder to the second baseman kept the Boilermakers scoreless.
Rzegocki retired 15 batters in a row after allowing the Butler runs in the third, and both teams went down in order over the final three innings.
The Boilermakers (15-19) return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday when they return to conference play against Penn State. It is Children's Book Drive Day at the ballpark, so bring your gently used children's books for donation to a local charity.