Wolverines Doomed by Six-Run Fifth in Home Loss to Purdue

Saturday, March 28

Ann Arbor, Mich.

2:00 PM

Michigan

20-13, 1-7

Purdue

25-9, 5-3

Purdue

Michigan

Avery Fantucci (Michigan Photography)

Wolverines Doomed by Six-Run Fifth in Home Loss to Purdue

3/28/2026 7:07:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Leah Howard

» Michigan scored six runs late but could not overcome Purdue's six-run fifth inning in a 13-6 loss at Hutchins Stadium.
» Michigan allowed 13 runs and 15 hits -- both season highs -- and tied its season high with four errors, including three in the fifth inning.
» Lauren Putz went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while Erin Hoehn drove in runs in the fifth and sixth.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan softball team battled late but could not overcome a decisive fifth-inning surge in a 13-6 loss to Purdue on Saturday afternoon (March 28) at the Wilpon Complex, home of Carol Hutchins Stadium and Alumni Field.

Purdue (25-9, 5-3 Big Ten) wasted little time applying pressure, pushing across single runs in the second, third and fourth innings to build a 3-0 advantage. Michigan stayed within striking distance early, but the game turned sharply in the fifth when the Boilermakers erupted for six runs on four hits and three errors.

The Wolverines (20-13, 1-6 Big Ten) showed fight down the stretch, plating six runs -- three apiece in the fifth and sixth innings -- on nine hits, but could not slow Purdue, which answered with two runs in each of the next two innings to keep the lead insurmountable.

Thirteen runs and 15 hits allowed were both season highs for the Wolverines' pitching staff, while Michigan's four errors tied its season high. Purdue loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth inning and scored across four consecutive plate appearances on two singles, a fielder's choice and a two-error play through the left side. Only one of the Boilermakers' six runs in the frame was earned.

Five different Wolverine pitchers saw time in the circle, with junior RHP Gabby Ellis (8-4) taking the loss. She allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over the first three innings.

Junior first baseman/RHP Erin Hoehn broke through with Michigan's first run on a one-out RBI double to the right-centerfield wall in the fifth and added another on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch in the sixth. Sophomore rightfielder Lauren Putz paced the Wolverines with a 3-for-4 performance and drove in a run with an RBI single down the rightfield line.

Michigan combined for nine hits and five walks but left nine runners stranded, including the bases loaded in the fourth and two apiece in the first and sixth innings.

The Wolverines will wrap their weekend series against Purdue with a 1 p.m. rubber game Sunday (March 29) at Hutchins Stadium. Tickets are available through the U-M Ticket Office.