WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Friday doubleheader at Bittinger Stadium concluded with a walk-off victory for the Purdue softball squad (21-29, 4-14 Big Ten) in 3-2 fashion vs. Rutgers (25-27, 3-16 Big Ten). The win, which not only set a Bittinger Stadium record for most innings played, but also tied the program record (12 innings, set in 2007).
In the bottom of the 12th, freshman Olivia McFadden earned a walk with the bases loaded, allowing Rachel Becker to score the game-winner.
Brenna Smith (4-10) secured the win after entering in relief for Alexa Pinarksi in the seventh inning, tallying five strikeouts over the next 5.2 innings of play to tie her career-high.
Runs were also scored by Tyrina Jones, who earned the first of the game, thanks to Kaeley Hallada's RBI single in the second inning. Then, Rutgers took the lead after runs in the fourth and fifth gave the Knights the 2-1 edge, however Becker recorded the sac fly to score Rylee Platusic in the bottom of the seventh to force extras.
It was a pitchers dual come extras, with Smith holding Rutgers to just one hit, which came in the top of the 12th, and Rutgers' Jaden Vickers tossing just one extra-inning hit until the bottom of the 12, when the Boilermakers produced two more.
On the day, Rutgers' Vickers totaled 225 pitches in complete-game fashion and forced 17 strikeouts for the Boilermakers.
Purdue out-hit the visitors 9-8 and left 11 runners stranded compared to the Scarlet Knights' five.
The Purdue victory came in Game 2 of a doubleheader, in which Purdue fell to Rutgers, 1-4 in the opening game of the day.
The lone Boilermaker run was scored by Becker on a sac fly by McFadden in the bottom of the seventh. Meanwhile, Jones registered two doubles in the outing, a career-high.
In the bottom of the fifth, Purdue loaded the bases, however with the tying run at-bat, the third out was clinched, ending Purdue's opportunity. In the next inning, the Boilermakers found themselves in similar circumstances, with runners in scoring position on second and third, however Rutgers once again fended off Purdue's attempt by making the final out on a pop up to the pitcher.
Alex Echazarreta is credited with the loss, moving to 9-8 after allowing all four runs and pitching three innings.
Purdue's defense remained errorless over the doubleheader.
One home game remains for the Boilermakers. On Sunday, Purdue will honor its seniors following the Noon game vs. Rutgers. Fans will also be able to enjoy a Bark in the Park, dog leash giveaway and half-priced hotdogs for the matinee.
In the bottom of the 12th, freshman Olivia McFadden earned a walk with the bases loaded, allowing Rachel Becker to score the game-winner.
Brenna Smith (4-10) secured the win after entering in relief for Alexa Pinarksi in the seventh inning, tallying five strikeouts over the next 5.2 innings of play to tie her career-high.
Runs were also scored by Tyrina Jones, who earned the first of the game, thanks to Kaeley Hallada's RBI single in the second inning. Then, Rutgers took the lead after runs in the fourth and fifth gave the Knights the 2-1 edge, however Becker recorded the sac fly to score Rylee Platusic in the bottom of the seventh to force extras.
It was a pitchers dual come extras, with Smith holding Rutgers to just one hit, which came in the top of the 12th, and Rutgers' Jaden Vickers tossing just one extra-inning hit until the bottom of the 12, when the Boilermakers produced two more.
On the day, Rutgers' Vickers totaled 225 pitches in complete-game fashion and forced 17 strikeouts for the Boilermakers.
Purdue out-hit the visitors 9-8 and left 11 runners stranded compared to the Scarlet Knights' five.
The Purdue victory came in Game 2 of a doubleheader, in which Purdue fell to Rutgers, 1-4 in the opening game of the day.
The lone Boilermaker run was scored by Becker on a sac fly by McFadden in the bottom of the seventh. Meanwhile, Jones registered two doubles in the outing, a career-high.
In the bottom of the fifth, Purdue loaded the bases, however with the tying run at-bat, the third out was clinched, ending Purdue's opportunity. In the next inning, the Boilermakers found themselves in similar circumstances, with runners in scoring position on second and third, however Rutgers once again fended off Purdue's attempt by making the final out on a pop up to the pitcher.
Alex Echazarreta is credited with the loss, moving to 9-8 after allowing all four runs and pitching three innings.
Purdue's defense remained errorless over the doubleheader.
One home game remains for the Boilermakers. On Sunday, Purdue will honor its seniors following the Noon game vs. Rutgers. Fans will also be able to enjoy a Bark in the Park, dog leash giveaway and half-priced hotdogs for the matinee.