Purdue Softball Wins Florida Atlantic First Pitch Classic

We don’t have a lot of softball coverge around here, but when the program begins the season with a red hot start it is definitely worth a front page mention. Softball started its season this weekend (down in Florida, of course) and it was quite a successful trip to Boca Raton as Purdue went a spotless 5-0 on the Weekend to win the FAU First Pitch Classic.

Purdue 7, Northern Illinois 3

A four run second inning propelled Sydney Bates to her first win of the season. Cora Bassett was 3 for 4 at the plate with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Bates threw a complete game and struck out seven.

Purdue 5, Bethune Cookman 3

Purdue used a pair of pitchers in its second game on Friday, but still came away with the win. Brenda Smith struck out four in four scoreless innings of relief and a three-run fourth inning was the difference as Purdue came from behind in this one. Skye Webb and Kasey Wilhoit each had doubles as Purdue made the most of seven hits.

Purdue 8, Indiana State 7

The Boilers trailed 7-4 entering the bottom of the seventh, but scored four times to earn the come from behind win over the Sycamores. Becca Jones had a two-run RBI in the seventh and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Webb then singled home Rachel Becker to secure the walk-off win. Bates threw another complete game to secure the win, but gave up seven runs on 10 hits.

Purdue 14, Florida Atlantic 3 (5 innings)

Yes, college softball has a mercy rule and Purdue used it well in Saturday’s second game. The Boielrs scored six in the second and 8 in the fourth to blow out the Owls. Bassett connected on the first home run of the season, a two-run job in the second. Webb drove in four runs on the day, including a two-run triple.

Purdue 9, Florida Atlantic 0

Purdue completed the perfect win with a shutout victory over the host Owls, giving Bates her third win of the weekend. Webb added two more RBIs to her weekend total and Bates struck out six in six innings of work.

The weekend sweep was Purdue’s best start to a season since 2012. Becca Jones is batting a robust .714 on the season now with 6 RBI, while Skye Webb had 7 hits and 8 RBI over hte weekend. Kendall Chase also drove in five runs.