Softball Blanked 2-0 by Purdue

March 25, 2012

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Michigan State softball team wrapped up action in West Lafayette, Ind. today (March 25) with a 2-0 loss to Purdue. The Spartans were swept by the Boilermakers and are currently 10-19 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten.

The game went scoreless until Purdue put up two runs in the bottom of the second. Danielle Fletcher began the offense with a single to the left field and then reached second off a sacrifice bunt but Ashley Courtney. Runners were on first and second when Erika Petruzzi was walked, then a singled by Maia Monchek scored the first run of the day. The second run came in the next at-bat as Ashley Burkhardt singled to third base.

Both teams provided solid defense as the rest of the game didn't see another run. Michigan State's greatest chance to score came in the fifth when a runner was on third, but the Spartans couldn't capitalize. Freshman Alyssa McBride got on first with a single to the shortstop and a sacrifice bunt by junior Jenny Ramsaier advanced her to second. McBride made it to third on a fielding error by the Purdue shortstop, but back-to-back pop ups ended the inning before she could cross home plate.

Sophomore Cassee Layne was the starting pitcher for MSU, but was replaced by freshman Carly Nielsen in the fourth. In three innings of work, Layne allowed both runs for Purdue and four hits. Nielsen was in the circle for the next three innings, earning three Ks and giving up only four hits.

Michigan State will open the home season next week when they host Butler and Ohio State. The Spartans will take on the Bulldogs on Thursday (March 29) at 4 p.m. ET at Secchia Stadium. The three-game series with OSU will begin with a double-header on Saturday (March 31) at 1 p.m. and conclude on Sunday (April 1) at 1 p.m.