Spartan Softball Suffers First Five-Inning Loss Of Season

April 24, 2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Brittney Green and Angel Merren posted Michigan State softball's only two hits in MSU's 11-1 loss to Purdue Saturday in East Lansing. The Spartans struggled in all aspects of the game, as they committed three errors, posted just the two hits and the MSU pitching staff allowed 14 hits on the day. MSU is now 25-20 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten, while Purdue's record stands at 28-20, 3-9.

The loss marked the first time this season Michigan State has been on the short end of the run rule, and the first time since March 13 at Cal State Northridge that the Spartans posted fewer than four hits in a game. Christy McGrew (4-3) took the loss for the Spartans, as she worked 2.2 innings and allowed six runs, four earned, on eight hits and two bases on balls. Both Jessica Beech and Jackie Noble threw in relief for the Spartans. Beech pitched 0.1 innings and allowed two runs on two hits, while Noble gave up three runs on four hits and a walk in 1.0 innings pitched.

Purdue put four runs on the board in both the first and second innings, and tacked on another three in the bottom of the third. State starting pitcher Christy McGrew gave up two singles to start the game. A wild pitch, passed ball, a walk and an error combined with two more Boilermaker hits made the score 4-0 after the first inning. State got its first hit of the game in the second inning, but left two runners on base.

The Boilermakers added four runs in the bottom of the second, as they put together four hits, including a double from Staci Falzon, and State committed two more errors. MSU scored in the top of the third with two outs, as Natalie Furrow reached on an error and walks from Elizabeth Peterson and Brittney Green loaded the bases. Furrow scored as designated player Dayna Feenstra was hit by pitch. MSU did not score again as Janette Hurtado reached on a fielder's choice, and Feenstra was out at second.

Purdue put its last three runs of the day in the third inning, as Purdue posted five hits, including Tricia Lilley's two-run home run. The Boilermakers' Brooke Baker picked up the win, and is now 15-9 on the year. She worked 2.1 innings in relief, and allowed just one hit and two bases on balls. She struck out one Spartan batter.

Sunday, State faces Indiana in a doubleheader Sunday, April 25. All games are played at Old College Field on the Michigan State campus.