Purdue Boilmakers Challenge Kats Tuesday
3/11/2013 3:10:00 PM | Softball
First pitch is at 4 p.m. with the second game to follow 20 minutes after the completion of the opening contest.
Purdue brings an 11-12 season record into the fray that includes victories over Tulsa, Utah State, Drake, Southern Utah and Texas State. The Boilermakers are 3-1 against the Southland Conference, splitting with Southeastern Louisiana and taking a pair of shutout wins over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Sam Houston, now 10-14 for the year, had problems with the Lions this past weekend. Southeastern Louisiana defeated the Kats 4-2 and 3-1 in a Saturday doubleheader. Sam Houston bounced back to win Sunday's game 4-2.
Both Sam Houston and Purdue come into the doubleheader with almost identical team batting averages. Led by center fielder Tori Benavidez (.400) and shortstop Cecilia Castillo (.359), the Bearkats are hitting .260 for the year. That includes 15 doubles, two triples and 18 home runs.
Purdue sports a .263 team batting mean that includes 17 doubles, four triples and four home runs. Outfield Andie Varsho (.425) and infielder Ashley Burkhardt (.338) are the top hitting threats for the Boilermakers.
Shelby Lancaster, Haley Baros and Meme Castillo anchor the Kats' pitching corps.
Following the Purdue doubleheader Tuesday, Sam Houston will return to Southland Conference action this weekend, hosting Central Arkansas in a three-game series. The pair will meet in a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday and a 12 noon single game Sunday.
