April 18, 2009

Box Score

CHICAGO - Amy Solava tossed a four-hit shutout and Kaycee Tharp went 3-for-3 to lead Loyola University Chicago (21-17, 9-5 Horizon) to a 1-0 victory over visiting Butler (19-23, 8-8 Horizon) in the nightcap of a doubleheader this afternoon at Loyola Softball Park. The win snaps a season-worst, five-game losing streak for the Ramblers.

Solava was masterful in the circle, scattering four hits and walking only one, while striking out three to improve to 7-1 versus Horizon League foes this spring. The right-hander held Butler at bay despite scoring threats in both the second and fourth innings.

Loyola scored the only run it would need in the third inning, when Kristen Medrud ripped a two-out single to left field with runners on first and second, to score Stevie Bradich, who had reached earlier in the frame on a fielder's choice.

Solava chased Butler scoring threats in the second, getting Lindsay Schluge to strike out swinging with runners at first and second, then striking out Lauren McNulty and inducing a groundout to Schluge with a pair of runners on in the fourth.

Tharp posted her second career three-hit outing to lead a Loyola offense, which also got two hits from Stephanie Cihlar. The first three hitters in the Ramblers' lineup accounted for six of the team's seven hits off Butler starter Lauren Ott.

Loyola and Butler are scheduled to conclude the three-game weekend set with a single game tomorrow at noon Central.