April 22, 2012
URBANA, Ill. - The Purdue softball team's comeback effort came up just short in an 8-6 loss to Illinois on Sunday. The Boilermakers scored first, but the Illini charged back with seven runs in the first two innings. Purdue closed within one in the fourth, but could not complete the rally.
Illinois scored its eight runs on seven hits and an error, while Purdue scored six runs on six hits and an error. Sophomore Andie Varsho led the Boilermaker bats with two hits.
Pepper Gay (16-12) earned the win, while Jackie Guy picked up the save for Illinois. Freshman Lexy Moore (19-7) was saddled with the loss for Purdue. Senior Katie Hackney took over in the circle in the third and threw the final four innings, striking out five and allowing just one run.
The Boilermakers jumped on the scoreboard just six pitches into the game as senior Molly Garst lifted a home run to left. Three batters later, Purdue scored again on an RBI single by sophomore Lindsey Rains. Rains' hit came after Varsho reached on a bunt single and was sacrificed to second.
The Illini responded with three unearned runs in the bottom of the first. A throwing error and a walk put two on for Danielle Vaji, who brought them in with a double to left field. Vaji went to third on the throw home and scored the next play on a single through the left side. A ground out ended the inning with a runner on second.
Illinois tacked on four more runs in the second on a Meredith Hackett grand slam. The home run followed two singles and a walk.
Purdue scratched across two runs in the third without the aid of a hit. A pair of walks and a throwing error loaded the bases with nobody out. After a fielder's choice play at the plate, sophomore Danielle Fletcher drew a walk to pick up an RBI. Junior Maia Monchek added another score with a sacrifice fly to left.
The Boilermakers cut the Illinois lead to one with two runs on a hit in the fourth. Chiodo and Garst walked to start the inning. A Varsho single to left brought Chiodo home and pushed Garst to third. Varsho stole second before a sacrifice fly by junior Ashley Courtney made it 7-6. A strikeout and ground out left Varsho stranded at third.
The Illini got one run back in the bottom of the fourth, scoring on a bases loaded wild pitch. A double and two walks had filled the bases. A strikeout prevented further damage.
Chiodo singled to start the sixth and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Garst, but the Boilermakers could not bring her home. A ground ball to the pitcher and a strikeout prevented a score.
The Boilermakers went down in order in the seventh to end the game.
Purdue (28-15, 10-4 Big Ten) returns to action at 3 p.m. Wednesday when Loyola comes to the Varsity Softball Complex for a doubleheader.