April 16, 2009

Box Score

CHICAGO - Freshman Hilary Payne struck out six batters in her first career start, but Loyola University Chicago (20-16) dropped a 6-0 decision to No. 10 Northwestern (26-8) this afternoon at Loyola Softball Park. The loss is only the second at home for the Ramblers this season and only their fourth in the last 16 contests at Loyola Softball Park dating back to last year.

The potent Wildcats lineup touched Payne for four runs in the first inning to grab control of the game early. After a run-scoring fielder's choice by Michelle Batts and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Nicole Pauly, Erin Dyer hit a two-run home run to put Northwestern ahead, 4-0 after their first turn at bat.

Loyola threatened in the third inning, as Stevie Bradich and Stephanie Cihlar reached base on consecutive bunt singles with two outs, but NU right-hander Jessica Smith worked her way out of trouble unscathed.

Northwestern added to its lead on Adrienne Monka's solo homer in the fifth inning, but again, the Ramblers mounted a scoring opportunity in the bottom half of the inning when Bridget Lally and Bradich pounded out back-to-back singles with one out. However, much like in the third inning, Smith was able to maneuver her way out of the jam without getting touched for a run.

Bradich went 2-for-3 to lead Loyola's offensive, which tallied five hits off of Smith. Payne fanned six in her first career start as a Rambler and scattered eight hits in 5.0 innings of work before giving way to Amy Solava who tossed two hitless innings and allowed a run.

Loyola jumps back into Horizon League action when it begins a three-game weekend series versus Butler on Saturday, April 18 with a doubleheader.