WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Junior pitcher Breanna Wonderly had another strong effort in the circle, but it was not enough as the Illinois softball team dropped a 1-0 pitcher's duel on a beautiful Saturday (April 16) afternoon in Boilermaker Softball Stadium.
"It was a tough day at the ball park," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We needed timely hits, but they did not come. Despite that, the series is still tied and tomorrow is a new day. We have to come out swinging to get this series win."
After being held scoreless through 13 innings against the Illini (24-18, 4-9 Big Ten), the Boilermakers (24-19, 6-7 Big Ten) finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth as a Emily Kenny triple to centerfield plated Mallory Baker, who reached on a hit-by-pitch earlier in the frame, for the lone run of the game.
The Illini tried to rally in the top of the seventh with junior Nicole Evans reaching on a hit-by-pitch and classmate Ruby Rivera doubling to right center to give UI runners at second and third, but they would be left stranded on the bases.
The Orange and Blue totaled three hits on the day, with sophomore Annie Fleming and junior Alyssa Gunther each tallying a knock in the setback.
Wonderly (9-8) allowed just one run on two hits in six innings of action.
Gina Snyder (5-4) earned the win for the Boilermakers after giving up just two hits in 6.1 innings. Game one starter Lilly Fecho entered in the seventh and earned the save.
Illinois wraps up its three-game series with Purdue on Sunday (April 17) at 11 a.m. CT. Sunday's game will also be streamed on BTN Plus and Scott Beatty will have the radio call on WDWS 1400 and online at FightingIllini.com.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow the team on Twitter @IlliniSB or like Fighting Illini Softball on Facebook.
