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DURHAM, N.C. - Purdue (1-8) dealt with a manageable deficit through the first six innings of the game until Virginia Tech (6-2) busted out a two-out three-run home run in the seventh to defeat the Boilermakers 5-0. Purdue was held to one hit in Giana Lopez's first career start in the circle.
After struggling in a relief role at the Kajikawa Classic, Lopez bounced back to allow just one run in 1.2 innings of work. Sydney Bates had the Hokies' number in their first meeting and also allowed just one run in 5 innings of work until giving up a three-run shot with two outs in the seventh.
Purdue struggled to get anything going offensively as Alexa Binckes delivered the only hit of the day for the Boilermakers. Stephanie Ramsey and Binckes gave the Boilermakers a chance to do some damage in the sixth inning as they each earned worked walks with nobody out. However, Virginia Tech was able to get the double play it needed in the ensuing at-bat to thwart any chance of a comeback attempt. Mallory Baker and Ryleigh Scott each earned free passes as well, giving Purdue a total of five runners left on base in the game.
Purdue heads to the Citrus Classic from Feb. 23-25 in Orlando, Florida. The Boilermakers are scheduled to take on Harvard, Bradley, Czech Republic, Savannah State and Kentucky.
