MADISON, Wis. – Goodman Diamond was filled with fans on Sunday afternoon, as the Wisconsin softball team earned a thrilling 4-3 win over visiting Purdue.
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The Badgers (22-17 overall, 6-6 B1G) were bested in the hits category by Purdue (13-34, 4-10), 10-5, but spectacular defense helped UW take the series from the Boilermakers, 2-1.
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The Badgers pulled off two big double plays in the first and second innings that proved to be key in the outcome of the series against Purdue.
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Wisconsin took the lead early with two first inning runs. Senior Kelsey Jenkins singled in the first at-bat and was sent home when Brooke Wyderski doubled to deep center field. After a fly-out, junior Melanie Cross knocked in the second run via a single to left field.
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Both teams were locked in defensively after that until Purdue broke through in the top of the sixth. Back-to-back singles gave Purdue a pair of base runners who both scored on a Hixenbaugh single and UW error. The Boilermakers scored the go-ahead run later in the inning before Haley Hestekin ended the inning with a strikeout.
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In the bottom of the sixth inning, Purdue pitcher Sydney Bates gave up a walk to Taylor Johnson, putting the tying run on base. In the next at-bat Melanie Cross sealed the deal, hitting a crucial two-run home run that put UW back on top.Â
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Batting clean up- Four notes to know
- Senior Kelsey Jenkins earned her 200th career hit during Sunday's game against Purdue.
- Freshman Haley Hestekin had another great day on the mound, ending with two strikeouts on the day.
- Junior Melanie Cross hit her fourth home run of the season to score two runs for Wisconsin.
- Kelsey Jenkins and Melanie Cross both had two hits, a team-high throughout Sunday's game.Â
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On deck
The Badgers hit the road for a doubleheader with Minnesota on Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. The first game will air live on the Big Ten Network.
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