University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Falls Just Short at Purdue, 2-1
3/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Minnesota had its chances against Purdue Sunday afternoon, but the Gophers stranded nine runners on base while dropping a 2-1 decision to the Boilermakers.
Playing in 36-degree temperatures and a light snowfall, Minnesota lost its first Big Ten game of the season, and had its four-game winning streak snapped.
Purdue’s only runs came on a two-out home run by shortstop Candace Curtis in the third inning, but it proved to be enough to hold up on a day when pitchers held the advantage.
After rallying from a 4-0 deficit against the Boilermakers on Saturday, Minnesota was unable to come from behind this time. The Golden Gophers stranded two runners in four separate innings, and were limited to five hits by Purdue starter Suzie Rzegocki (15-5).
Senior catcher Shannon Stemper led Minnesota on offense by going 1-for-3 with a double and scoring the Gophers’ lone run of the game, while sophomore first baseman Malisa Barnes went 1-for-4 to extend her hitting streak to eight games. Over that span, Barnes has batted .483 (14-for-29) with 10 RBI, eight runs scored, and three home runs.
The game ended with runners on first and third for Minnesota, after Barnes reached on a two-out throwing error by Purdue’s third baseman. But sophomore designated player Natalie Neal, who hit her third home run of the season during Saturday’s 6-4 win, flied out to right field for the game’s final out.
On the mound, Minnesota senior Briana Hassett limited Purdue to seven hits and two earned runs, while striking out six to add to her national-best strikeout total. Hassett (19-12) has now fanned 291 batters this season.
With the loss, Minnesota falls to 20-19 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten, while Purdue improved to 18-10 overall and 3-1 in the conference.
Minnesota’s next games are scheduled for next weekend, when the Gophers play host to nationally-ranked Ohio State in the first games at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium this season. Saturday’s first pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m. (CT).
-UM-
