April 4, 2010
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Penn State Nittany Lions evened the season series with the Purdue softball team, taking a 2-1 extra-inning decision on Sunday. An eighth-inning rally helped PSU to the win, moving the team to 22-10, 2-2 in the Big Ten and dropping the Boilermakers to 16-20, 1-3 in the Big Ten.
Penn State managed two runs on eight hits and an error, while allowing Purdue a run on six hits and an error. Six different players managed hits for the Boilermakers.
Lisa Akamine (11-3) picked up the win for PSU, while junior Suzie Rzegocki struck out six in the complete-game effort for Purdue.
Penn State put runners on with a hit and a walk in the opening stanza, but came up empty on the scoreboard.
A second-inning double to center field by senior Jenna Alexander gave Purdue its first base runner. Alexander stole third and came home on what appeared to be a double up the left field line, but was later determined to be a foul ball. A ground out wrapped up the inning with no score.
A single and a sacrifice gave the Nittany Lions a runner in scoring position in the third, but again it was for naught.
Senior Liane Horiuchi sent a two-out triple into deep right center in the home half of the third, but Purdue was not able to capitalize on the scoring threat.
Freshman Ashley Courtney doubled to the left center gap with two outs in the fourth, but the Boilermaker offense could not drive her in.
Sophomore Molly Garst tapped a one-out single and Alexander drew a two-out walk in the sixth, but a diving catch in the outfield kept the game scoreless.
Penn State third baseman Desi Giordano broke through with a two-out solo home run to left in the seventh.
The Boilermakers tied it up with an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh. Senior Ashley Barr laid down a perfect bunt for a single and stole second. Freshman Kristen Allen knocked a ball toward the second baseman, who mishandled it. The speedy Barr rounded third and slid under the tag at the plate to give Purdue new life. Allen was called for leaving first early the next play and a strikeout sent the game to extra innings.
A trio of two-out singles gave Penn State the game-winning run in the eighth. Danee Collett and Kailyn Johnson stood on first and second after the first pair. Lauren Rossi put PSU on top with a single to right field. A grounder to second base stranded two and brought Purdue to the plate.
Freshman Maia Monchek kept hope alive with a two-out single through the left side, but a fielder's choice wrapped up the game.
The Boilermakers return to action at 3 p.m. Wednesday when they take on Ohio State in a doubleheader. It is Faculty/Staff Day and Service Day at the ballpark. All Purdue faculty and staff will receive free admission by showing their Purdue ID at the ticket gate.