MINNAEPOLIS, Minn. - The Boilermakers (24-13, 2-4 Big Ten) dropped a pair of games on Sunday at Jane Sage Stadium, concluding their Big Ten series against No. 19/15 Minnesota with a 5-1 loss in Game 2 and a 8-2 loss in the weekend finale.
#19/15 Minnesota 5, Purdue 1
The Boilermakers drew first blood in the opening frame as senior Jenny Behan delivered a double through the left side to bring home freshman Rachel Becker, who singled to lead off the inning.
Solid Boilermaker defense, including three strikeouts from redshirt sophomore Sydney Bates, maintained Purdue's 1-0 advantage through the next two innings.
In the bottom of the fourth, Minnesota's Hope Brandner launched a home run over the center field wall to tie the game 1-1.
The nationally ranked Gophers extended their momentum going with four runs on three hits in the bottom of the fifth, getting the go-ahead run on a two RBI single from Natalie DenHartog.
Minnesota would retire the Boilermakers in order for the last two innings, securing the 5-1 victory.
The Gophers outhit Purdue 7-4, with neither team committing an error. Becker guided the Boilermakers with a 1-for-3 effort with one run.
Despite striking out a game-high seven batters, Bates took the loss in the circle, allowing five runs on seven hits, while walking three.
#19/15 Minnesota 8, Purdue 2
The Gophers continued to control the field, scattering four runs on five hits through the first four innings.
Purdue battled back with a two RBI double from senior Lexi Huffman in the top of the fifth, cutting Minnesota's lead in half, 4-2.
However, Minnesota broke things open with a run in the fifth and a three-RBI home run in the bottom of the sixth.
In the series finale, the Gophers outhit the Boilermakers 7-5. Freshman Rachel Becker paced Purdue once again, this time with a 2-for-3 effort and a run.
The Boilermakers look to bounce back against Purdue Fort Wayne with a nonconference game on Wednesday, April 3, at 5 p.m. ET.