April 8, 2009

Box Score

CHICAGO - Strong pitching and timely hitting helped Loyola University Chicago (19-12, 7-2 Horizon) pick up its fifth straight victory and complete a three-game sweep of visiting Green Bay (14-16, 3-6 Horizon) this afternoon as the Ramblers posted a 3-0 win in game two of a doubleheader at Loyola Softball Park. Junior Amy Solava tossed her second straight shutout as the Ramblers improved to 5-1 at home this season.

Angie Funston's two-out double in the bottom of the second inning scored Lauren Arceneaux, who had walked earlier in the frame, to give the Ramblers a 1-0 edge they never relinquished. Loyola added to its lead in the third inning when Stevie Bradich reached on a one-out bunt single, stole second, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on an error. Haley Ambrosch capped the scoring with a solo home run, her second in as many games today, in the fourth inning.

Solava worked her way out of trouble in each of the first four innings, stranding five Phoenix runners on base during that span before retiring the side in order in the final three innings. The right-hander scattered four hits on the day and struck out three as she earned her fourth consecutive win and improved to 5-0 in Horizon League play this spring.

Loyola travels to defending regular-season champion and preseason League favorite Cleveland State for a three-game series beginning Friday, April 10.