March 21, 2008
Box Score
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Junior Krista Crosson struck out a career-high 12 batters in an 11-inning pitcher's duel as Loyola (6-11, 1-1 Horizon League) defeated Butler (9-8, 1-1 Horizon League) 1-0 in the second game of a double-header at Butler Field. The Ramblers dropped game one by a score of 5-4 before bouncing back in game two.
Lindsay O'Gean got the Ramblers started, when she reached base via a walk to start the second inning. Kristin Guska took first after getting hit by a pitch on a 0-1 count. With runners on second and third after a double steal, a Jenna Grim single plated O'Gean to give the Ramblers a 1-0 lead. Guska and Grim would come home on Haley Ambrosch's one-out single to right. The Ramblers would extend their lead to 4-0 in the third inning on a double by Nora Schober that would score Angie Funston who had reached on a single.
The Bulldogs refused to quit as pitcher Nikki Naffziger belted her first homer of the season to right center field to break Amy Solava's shutout. In the bottom of the seventh with no outs, Butler loaded the bases on a single, a double and a walk. Lindsay Schluge's infield single brought the Bulldogs within two (4-2), but a three-run single in the gap by Alex Boros would end the game in walk-off fashion as the Bulldogs pulled out a 5-4 victory.
Naffziger earned the win in game one and improves to 4-3 on the season. Solava fanned six for the Ramblers and falls to 4-6 on the year.
The nightcap was an exciting pitcher's duel as both pitchers went the distance in an 11-inning game. Crosson (2-5) was magnificent in the circle as she scattered three hits and struck out a career-best 12 batters in the shutout effort. Kristen Malinkey (3-4) gave up one run (earned), seven hits and fanned four over 11 innings.
In the top of the 11th, Schober drew a one-out walk and stole second to get things started for the Ramblers. She advanced to third on a single by Ambrosch and scored the eventual game-winning run on a sacrifice fly to right by pinch-hitter Guska. With a 1-0 lead, Crosson retired three of the next four batters to earn the win.
The Ramblers return to action on Saturday, March 22 when they close out the series against Butler. First pitch is set for 10 a.m. Central.
