March 27, 2007
Box Score
MADISON, Wis. - Host Wisconsin (16-7) scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to rally from a five-run deficit and hand Loyola (4-12) a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in a non-conference contest at Goodman Softball Diamond this afternoon. All 13 runs in the game were scored in innings four through six.
The wild contest seemed destined for a pitcher's duel in the early going as Loyola freshman outfielder Ellen Kresl's infield single in the third inning was the only hit for either squad in the first three frames. That all changed in the fourth however when Raven Gengler led off the Ramblers' half of the inning by reaching on an error and promptly stole second base. She would later score on an error following Nora Schober's single to center field to give Loyola a 1-0 lead.
Wisconsin evened the game in the bottom of the fourth when it loaded the bases with no outs and scored the tying run on a walk. With the sacks packed and no one out, Loyola freshman pitcher Amy Solava toughened and got Theresa Boruta to line into a double play and struck out Lynn Anderson to halt the rally and minimize the damage.
Behind the strength of six hits, Loyola scored five runs in the top of the fifth to break the game open and take a 6-1 lead. Junior Kat Krause blasted a two-run home run, her third of the year, over the left field fence to key the offensive outburst.
That lead would vanish in the sixth inning though as the Badgers put together an improbable rally, scoring six runs, five of which came with two outs, to take a 7-6 lead. Alexis Garcia's fielder's choice grounder scored the go-ahead run. Although the momentum was on Wisconsin's side after that inning, the resilient Ramblers mounted one final comeback in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs, but were unable to plate the tying run.
Kresl and Schober tallied a pair of hits apiece for Loyola and Solava struck out six in 5.2 innings, but struggled with her control, walking seven Badgers.
Loyola jumps right back into action against a Big Ten Conference foe when it plays its home opener tomorrow against Illinois. Game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m.
