Freshman Kaitlyn Brannstrom led the day with three RBI, with two coming in the Boilermaker victory. Meanwhile shortstop Rachel
Becker earned two runs in game two, a team-high for the day.
Game 1
After a quick three-and-out for both teams in the opening inning, the Purdue defense made a key play in the top of the second to keep IU off the board. With two outs and two Hoosiers on base, Ashley Peters struck the final batter out swinging to shut down Indiana's chance to score.
In the fourth inning, Indiana recorded its first run, before adding another three in the top of the sixth. The Boilermakers responded in the bottom of the fourth with two runners on base – sophomore Cora Bassett singled through the left side, then went on to steal second before freshman Kiley Goff's sharp eye allowed her to walk to first. Despite the opportunity, Indiana's pitching led to two straight strikeouts, ending Purdue's chance to even the score.
In the bottom of the fifth, Brannstrom registered a double to right center as the leadoff batter, however IU's rigid defense prevented the runner to advance.
Trailing 4-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, first-batter-up Kasey Wilhoit singled through the left side to kick things off. Alex Etchazarreta followed with a single of her own, advancing Wilhoit to second. Brannstrom, who was next to bat, brought Wilhoit home with an RBI single. However, a double play by IU closed out the game, quelling Purdue's final chance to right the score.
Purdue – 1, Indiana - 4Winning pitcher: Emily Goodin
Losing pitcher: Ashley Peters (3-4)
Game 2
The Boilermakers took the lead in the third inning, thanks to an RBI single to the left field by Brannstrom. With the hit, Rachel Becker, who recorded a single of her own earlier in the inning, found home. With one more out to spare and Goff on third, the Hoosiers' third baseman had quick hands and made the play for the final out of the inning.
Another three runs were added by Purdue in the bottom of the fifth, started off by Becker's triple down the right field line. Bassett, the next at-bat, recorded a double of her own, scoring Becker, for Purdue to take the 2-0 lead. Purdue's hot batting forced a pitching change, and eventually Bassett advanced to third. With Brannstrom at-bat, the newcomer recorded her third RBI of the day on a double. Bassett scored on the play. Fellow freshman Kiara Dillon pinch ran for Brannstrom and was able to advance to third. With Alex Echazarreta up to bat, the first baseman doubled for an RBI, giving Dillon the time to score, putting Purdue ahead, 4-0.
Indiana fought hard in the seventh inning to keep the game alive, notching three runs in the inning. The first batter hit the ball out of the park for IU's first run of the game (4-1, Purdue). However, after two quick outs on the next pair of batters, Indiana found its groove, notching a single, double and triple on the next three at-bats, respectively. Starting pitcher Savanah Henley re-entered the game, and the Boilermakers recorded the final out before the IU equalizer could be found.
Purdue – 4, Indiana – 3
Winning Pitcher: Sydney Bates (3-4)
Losing Pitcher: Natalie Foor (0-1)
Up Next
The Purdue vs. Indiana series continues tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET on Big Ten Network Plus.