Feb. 24, 2013
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The UTSA Roadrunners scratched across a run in the sixth inning to steal away a 2-1 victory over the Purdue softball team Sunday morning. The Boilermakers outhit the Roadrunners 5-4, but stranded seven runners, including six in scoring position, in the loss.
UTSA scored its two runs on four hits, including one home run. Purdue managed its one run on five hits, including a 2-for-3 effort by junior Danielle Fletcher.
Haylee Staton (5-1) struck out four in the win for UTSA, while freshman Lilly Fecho was saddled with the loss, despite issuing four Ks in five innings of work.
The Boilermakers jumped on the scoreboard just four batters into the game. Sophomore Ashley Burkhardt laced a sharp single up the first base line to start the game. Junior Andie Varsho walked to push her to second. Fletcher picked up the RBI, plating Burkhardt from second with a single to left. A fly ball and grounder to the pitcher kept the Boilermakers from adding to the 1-0 advantage.
The Roadrunners tied the game in the bottom of the second as Megan Low squeezed a home run just inside the left field foul pole. UTSA put two other runners in scoring position, but stranded them.
Fletcher doubled to deep center field in the fourth. Pinch runner Gabi Brown went to third on a ground ball to second base, but was unable to score.
Varsho looped a one-out single into shallow center field in the sixth and stole second, but would not go further as a strikeout and grounder to second capped the inning.
UTSA took a 2-1 lead in the sixth, which featured three Boilermaker pitchers. The Roadrunners got a leadoff single, prompting sophomore Alex Whittemore to take over in the circle. In her brief stay, she issued a walk, hit a batter and forced a fielder's choice to get the first out. Sophomore Lexy Moore faced a bases-loaded situation and forced an out at the plate on a fielder's choice, but a single to left scored the go-ahead run. A strikeout capped the inning.
The Boilermakers filled the bases in the seventh, but could not scratch the tying run across. Junior Kristin Morgan got things started with a pinch hit double down the left field line. Pinch runner Mary Beth Pavlick went to third on a sacrifice. Freshman Paris Andrew drew a two-out walk, then UTSA put Burkhardt on with an intentional walk. A fly ball to center field ended the rally and the game.
Purdue (6-9) returns to action on Friday at the CenturyLink Classic in San Marcos, Texas.