April 25, 2009

Box Score

CHICAGO - Kristen Medrud had two hits and Seana Stillson tossed three scoreless innings of relief, but Loyola University Chicago (23-21, 11-9 Horizon) suffered a 5-2 loss at the hands of Wright State (28-17, 14-6 Horizon) in game two of a doubleheader at Loyola Softball Park this afternoon.

Wright State jumped on the board early and never looked back scoring three unearned runs in the first inning against Loyola right-hander Amy Solava. Two of the Raiders' runs in the opening frame touched the plate on a Loyola error, with the final run coming across on China Frost's RBI single down the left field line.

The Raiders padded their lead with two more runs in the fourth inning before Loyola began to chip away at the deficit. In the bottom of the fifth, Kristin Guska ripped a one-out double to ignite a rally, then moved to third on a single by Stevie Bradich before scoring on Bridget Lally's infield hit, to cut the deficit to 5-1.

Loyola's offense, which began to pick up steam against WSU lefty Sharon Palma, who was starting her second game of the day, got going again with one out in the sixth. Stephanie Cihlar drew a one-out walk, and one out later, scored on Kristen Medrud's single to left center, to bring the Ramblers within three runs, at 5-2. Loyola had a golden opportunity to inflict more damage in the inning, loading the bags with two outs, but Allison Cox, who came on in relief of Palma, was able to wiggle her way out of trouble, then set the Ramblers down in order in the seventh inning as Wright State held on for the win.

Loyola and Wright State wrap up the three-game series tomorrow with a single game scheduled for noon. The Ramblers will recognize their senior class in a ceremony prior to first pitch of Sunday's game.