Feb. 20, 2011
SAN MARCOS, Texas - The Boilermaker softball team issued its second run-rule wallop of the day, downing Texas State 9-0 in a six-inning contest. Seven Purdue players tallied hits in the game, which featured a walk-off grand slam by freshman Danielle Fletcher and also a six strikeout effort from senior pitcher Suzie Rzegocki.
Rzegocki picked up the complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits and giving up just one walk. Three different pitchers saw time in the circle for the Bobcats with Crystal Alaniz (1-2) earning the loss after giving up two runs in three innings of work. Chandler Hall and Anne Marie Taylor also saw action in the game.
Sophomore Erika Petruzzi went 2-for-2 to lead the Boilermaker bats, while Fletcher came through with the game-ending grand slam, Purdue's eighth hit .
The Boilermakers picked up two runs in the opening stanza as junior Molly Garst singled to right center, and stole second and third, before scoring as the catcher's throw to third sailed into left field on the second steal. Petruzzi added to the advantage with a solo shot to right center.
The Bobcats got a two-out single in the second, but Rzegocki struck out the side. Freshman Kim McMillan singled down the right field line to start the second and was sacrificed to second, but a double play ended her trek around the bases. Freshman Andie Varsho tallied a third inning single and stole second, but again Purdue could not convert.
A single, a steal and a ground out gave Texas State a runner at third in the fourth, but it was again to no avail.
For its part in the fourth, Purdue tacked on two runs on two hits. Petruzzi led off with a triple to center. Chiodo walked and stole second to put two runners in scoring position for Rzegocki, who brought both home with a single to right field.
Texas State had its best scoring opportunity in the fifth, putting two runners in scoring position on a single, a walk and a ground out, but another ground ball nullified the scoring threat.
Up 4-0, Purdue took advantage of Bobcat defensive woes in the sixth en route to a five-run inning. Rains singled and went to second on a fielding error by the left fielder. Petruzzi walked and then the pair pulled off a double steal. Chiodo walked to pack the basepaths. McMillan reached on a botched sacrifice fly which was dropped the right fielder. Fletcher then capped the game with a towering homer to dead centerfield.
Purdue (5-3) returns to action on Saturday, when it takes on Georgia State at the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament in Kennesaw, Ga.