Lansing Sun

Senior Liv Grey delivered a complete game shutout as Michigan State triumphed over Purdue with a 3-0 victory at Bittinger Stadium. This win marks the first game of their three-game Big Ten series. Michigan State now holds a record of 19-30 (5-16 B1G), while Purdue stands at 25-24 (11-10 B1G). The five conference victories are the most for the Spartans in a traditional Big Ten season since 2018.

Grey, with a record of 13-13, was dominant on the mound, striking out nine Purdue batters. Her performance moved her to 10th place in program history for single-season strikeouts, totaling 161.

Despite recording only three hits, Michigan State capitalized on seven walks. Junior Macy Lee, senior Collette Allen, and senior Alexis Ross each singled during the game. Senior Jenae Wash led with two walks, while sophomore Hannah Hawley, senior Anna Fox, and Allen drove in runs for the team.

Ross achieved a milestone by becoming the first Spartan to steal 20 bases in a season since Lindsey Hansen's 23 steals in 2011.

The scoring opened after three scoreless innings when Allen hit a two-out single to bring Lee home from second base. Two more runs were added by Michigan State in the seventh inning through back-to-back walks by Wash and Allen. Ross's bunt loaded the bases, leading to Hawley's walk that brought freshman pinch-runner Payton Conroy home. Fox's fielder's choice scored Allen for another run.

Hawley's walk extended her career-best on-base streak to 14 games.

Purdue had its best chance to score in the sixth inning when Tyrina Jones hit a two-out triple. However, Grey struck out the final batter to maintain her shutout.

Michigan State will continue its series against Purdue on Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m.