April 10, 2009

Box Score

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Loyola University Chicago (20-13, 8-3 Horizon) had its six-game winning streak halted with a 5-2 loss to Cleveland State (21-13, 9-3 Horizon) in game two of a doubleheader this afternoon at cool and drizzly Viking Field. The host Vikings erased an early one-run deficit by scoring five unanswered runs over a two-inning span to rally for the victory.

Loyola built a one-run lead in the second inning when Kaycee Tharp reached on a one-out single and moved to second on a groundout. Catcher Jenna Grim reached on an error by CSU shortstop Natalie DeMatteis, which allowed Tharp to score.

Cleveland State seized a 2-1 lead in the third inning however when second baseman Christa Coppus drove in a pair of runs with a double and the Vikings added to their advantage in the bottom of the fourth when Shalyn Adams belted a three-run homer.

Loyola put a dent in the four-run deficit in the sixth inning on Jenna Grim's solo homer to lead off the frame, but that was as close as the Ramblers would get the rest of the contest.

Hilary Payne tossed 2.2 innings of perfect relief for Loyola, which got a 2-for-3 performance from Tharp. Amanda Macenko hurled a complete game for Cleveland State, allowing only one earned run and striking out five en route to the win.

Loyola and Cleveland State wrap up the three-game series with a single game tomorrow beginning at noon Eastern.