EVANSTON, Ill. – Home runs were the difference-maker in Purdue softball's (19-24, 2-9 Big Ten) loss at No. 6 Northwestern. A combined four home runs, including a Wildcat grand slam, led to a five-inning 2-10 final score.
Despite the loss, the Boilermakers held steady against the Wildcats, with a 0-1 Northwestern lead until a grand slam in the bottom of the third was the eventual game-winner.
Catcher Kaeley Hallada rocketed off a two-run home run in the fourth inning, marking the fifth home run of the season for the senior and the first since her game-winning homer at then-No. 22 USF (3/17/22). Rachel Becker scored on the play from first.
The Boilermakers committed no errors and were out-hit by Northwestern, 4-9.
In the circle, starter Brenna Smith received the loss, moving to 2-8 on the year after tossing one strikeout and allowing eight hits.
Purdue will return home to Bittinger next weekend for a three-game series vs. Michigan State, which will be streamed on B1G+. Game times are scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. ET, Saturday at 2 p.m. ET and Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Despite the loss, the Boilermakers held steady against the Wildcats, with a 0-1 Northwestern lead until a grand slam in the bottom of the third was the eventual game-winner.
Catcher Kaeley Hallada rocketed off a two-run home run in the fourth inning, marking the fifth home run of the season for the senior and the first since her game-winning homer at then-No. 22 USF (3/17/22). Rachel Becker scored on the play from first.
The Boilermakers committed no errors and were out-hit by Northwestern, 4-9.
In the circle, starter Brenna Smith received the loss, moving to 2-8 on the year after tossing one strikeout and allowing eight hits.
Purdue will return home to Bittinger next weekend for a three-game series vs. Michigan State, which will be streamed on B1G+. Game times are scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. ET, Saturday at 2 p.m. ET and Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.