March 28, 2009

Box Score

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - No. 12 Michigan (21-9) hit a pair of two-run home runs early and never looked back en route to a 4-1 victory over Loyola University Chicago (14-10) in game one of a doubleheader this afternoon at Wilpon Complex. The Ramblers received solid pitching in relief from Plymouth, Mich., native Hilary Payne, who allowed only one hit in 4.0 innings of work.

The 12th-ranked Wolverines jumped on the board in the bottom of the first inning when catcher Amanda Chidester belted a two-run home run to give the hosts a 2-0 lead. Michigan doubled that advantage in the third inning on pitcher Nikki Nemitz's two-run homer.

Nemitz kept the Loyola bats silent until the seventh inning, when Stevie Bradich led off with a bunt single, for the team's first hit of the game. After Lauren Arceneaux reached on an error, both she and Bradich moved into scoring position thanks to a double steal. Two outs later, Arceneaux was able to score before pinch runner Bridget Lally was caught stealing to end the opening game of the twin bill.

Payne struck out two in relief, while Bradich tallied the Ramblers' only hit of the game.

Loyola and Michigan will play game two of the doubleheader this afternoon.