May 14, 2011
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Boilermaker softball team managed four hits and senior Suzie Rzegocki struck out three batters in a 4-0 loss to Indiana in the regular season finale on Saturday.
Morgan Melloh (32-15) struck out seven in the win for the Hoosiers, while Rzegocki (26-17) wrapped the season with 200 strikeouts and a season record 26 wins.
Purdue managed four hits in the game, one each by junior Molly Garst and freshmen Andie Varsho, Tori Chiodo and Kristin Morgan. Indiana put up its four runs on five hits and three errors.
The Boilermakers got a one-out single and a two-out walk in the first but could not manage a run. Varsho sent the single towards the shortstop and stole second before being joined by sophomore Erika Petruzzi who picked up the free pass. A caught fly ball in foul territory stranded the pair.
The Hoosiers put two on with a single and a two-out walk in the bottom of the inning. A wild pitch advanced both runners into scoring position. A throw to the plate sailed into the Boilermaker dugout and in a controversial call, the umpires allowed both runners to score on the miscue.
Garst dribbled a one-out single back to the pitcher and took second on a ground out, but was unable to score due to a fly out.
A two-run home run by Amanda Wagner made it 4-0 Indiana.
The Hoosiers loaded the bases on two bunts and a walk in the fourth, but the Boilermaker defense held them off the scoreboard.
Morgan kicked off the fifth inning with a bloop single to left center and went to second on a ground out. Varsho drew a two-out walk, but a fielder's choice play capped the inning.
The Boilermakers went down in order in the sixth and seventh to end the contest.
Purdue finishes the season 30-18-2 and 8-9-1 in Big Ten play. The Boilermakers will celebrate the 2011 season and their three senior players - Suzie Rzegocki, Shelby Krammer and Aimee Gingerich - at their annual banquet on Sunday.