The Bulldogs took a 3-2 win over visiting Purdue Fort Wayne Thursday at the Butler Softball Field in a midweek, non-conference contest.

The teams combined for just eight hits, but the Bulldogs were able to manufacture one more run than the Mastodons to secure the victory.

Butler improves to 14-22 on the season with Thursday's win; PFW falls to 6-28.

Purdue Fort Wayne got on the board first in the top of the second inning, capitalizing on a Butler error to push across an unearned run. That would be the only trouble for Butler starter Alyssa Graves, who struck out four in her 4.0 innings of work. She allowed two hits, one walk and the unearned run.

Butler's offense answered in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out rally. Kaitlin Doud was hit by a pitch, which was followed by back-to-back singles from Christina Candotti and Sammy Andersen. Andersen's single to center scored pinch-runner Sydney Kempf.

The Bulldogs took the lead with two runs in the fifth. Butler had runners on second and third with one out. Madi Christiansen's sacrifice fly scored Bri Avery, while allowing Jenna Foreman to move to third base. One batter later, pinch-runner was able to attract attention and ultimately prolong a rundown between first and second for Foreman to cross home plate for a 3-1 Butler lead.

Purdue Fort Wayne scored a single run in the sixth inning, but could not overcome Butler's lead.

Karli Ricketts picked up the win in relief for the Bulldogs, going the final three innings. She allowed one run on two hits. Ricketts struck out three Mastodons.

Three PFW pitchers saw action in the circle with Alyssa Malicki taking the loss by allowing the two fifth-inning runs.

The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, hosting Georgetown in a three-game, BIG EAST series. First pitch for Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for noon.