WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – In the regular season finale, the Purdue softball squad fell to Michigan State, 1-2, despite a near walk-off which included runners on the corners. With the result, Purdue (25-26, 11-12 Big Ten) will set its sights on the Big Ten Tournament, which will begin Wednesday in Iowa City, Iowa. The league will announce the bracket later today following the conclusion of all regular-season games.
Despite the loss and one Boilermaker error, Purdue put on a stellar fielding performance which included two double plays, and 12 assists which set a Big Ten play season-high.
The action came in the fourth inning when the Spartans scored both their runs on a pair of homers. Purdue responded in the bottom of the frame with two runners on base and Kate Claypool recording a sac fly to score Tyrina Jones from third.
Starting pitcher Julia Gossett (9-12) received the loss, allowing five hits, including the two homers. Madi Elish closed the final 4.0 innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. The pitching staff allowed no walks in its 26 batters faced.
Purdue was out-hit 3-7 in the outing, with Khloe Banks, Hailey Hayes and Sage Scarmardo each notching a single. Meanwhile, Banks and Jade Moy each registered a stolen base.
The Boilermakers fought to the very end, with a walk-off attempt in the seventh inning. With two outs, Olivia McFadden earned a walk, then pinch hitter Sage Scarmardo singled through the right side as McFadden rounded the bases to third.
The Boilermakers close out the regular season with 11 Big Ten wins, the most since 2014 (excludes Big Ten-only season in 2021 due to COVID-19).
Despite the loss and one Boilermaker error, Purdue put on a stellar fielding performance which included two double plays, and 12 assists which set a Big Ten play season-high.
The action came in the fourth inning when the Spartans scored both their runs on a pair of homers. Purdue responded in the bottom of the frame with two runners on base and Kate Claypool recording a sac fly to score Tyrina Jones from third.
Starting pitcher Julia Gossett (9-12) received the loss, allowing five hits, including the two homers. Madi Elish closed the final 4.0 innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. The pitching staff allowed no walks in its 26 batters faced.
Purdue was out-hit 3-7 in the outing, with Khloe Banks, Hailey Hayes and Sage Scarmardo each notching a single. Meanwhile, Banks and Jade Moy each registered a stolen base.
The Boilermakers fought to the very end, with a walk-off attempt in the seventh inning. With two outs, Olivia McFadden earned a walk, then pinch hitter Sage Scarmardo singled through the right side as McFadden rounded the bases to third.
The Boilermakers close out the regular season with 11 Big Ten wins, the most since 2014 (excludes Big Ten-only season in 2021 due to COVID-19).