MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – In another pitching-dominated duel, the Purdue softball team dropped a narrow 2-1 decision to Minnesota in the series finale Sunday. The Boilermakers put the tying run on second with one out in the seventh but could not drive it in.
Hits came at a premium against the two pitching staff with just five base knocks total for the game, topped by Purdue 3-2.
Purdue starter Ashley Peters dazzled in her five innings of action. The lefty fanned a pair and worked around just two hits. Peters helped her own cause on the defensive end by making three plays in the field, including a 1-6-3 double play to end the fourth. The sophomore was saddled with the loss though due to a two-run home run allowed in the third.
Minnesota's only runs came off the bat of center fielder Natalie DenHartog after a leadoff walk gave the Golden Gophers their second runner on base. Peters allowed just one runner on base the rest of her outing.
Fellow southpaw Savanah Henley came on in relief and quickly found herself in a jam, as an intentional walk, a walk and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for the hosts. The freshman shrugged off any pressure and got out of the situation with a strikeout swinging.
Offensively, the Boilermakers had their hands full starter Amber Fiser, who went six innings with two hits, one run and two walks allowed. Autumn Pease picked up the save with a pair of strikeouts and one hit given up in the seventh.
Purdue pulled a run back in the top of the sixth. Cora Bassett hammered a 1-1 delivery over the center field wall for solo shot, her team-leading third of the season.
Ryleigh Scott looped a one-out double to left center in the top of the seventh, but she was left stranded to end the game.
Purdue (6-14) – 1, Minnesota (15-5) - 2
Winning pitcher: Amber Fiser (7-4)
Save: Autumn Pease (3)
Losing pitcher: Ashley Peters (3-4)
NOTES
• Minnesota leads the all-time series 42-22.
• Bassett's home run was her ninth extra-base hit of the year.
• Scott double was her first extra-base hit of the campaign.
• Emilee Cox gave Purdue its first hit of the game in the third. It was her first hit of the year.
• Henley finished with 14 strikeouts on the weekend, after her one-hitter Saturday.
• Both clubs played errorless ball and left four runners on base.
• Kiley Goff finished the weekend going 7-for-12 with four RBI and a home run.
• The pitching staff held Minnesota to a .213 clip at the plate and struck out 25 matters.
UP NEXT
The Boilermakers return to Bittinger Stadium next weekend for a four-game set against in-state foe Indiana. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 4 p.m. on BTN.