March 9, 2010

Box Score

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Senior Angie Funston hit two home runs and drove in four, while also throwing a complete-game four-hitter, to power Loyola University Chicago (3-8) to an 8-0 victory over Wagner (1-10) in six innings this morning at the Rebel Games. Funston was making her first appearance in the pitching circle since 2008 and her first start since her freshman season in 2007.

Jenna Grim got things started for the Ramblers in the top of the third when she crushed a Judy Betz offering over the center field fence to lead off the inning. Stevie Bradich followed with a bunt single and promptly stole second to move into scoring position. Two outs later, Funston crushed a two-run homer to left for a 3-0 Rambler lead.

Funston's bid for a no-hitter was broken up with two outs in the bottom of the fourth when Hailey Corthell blooped a hit in front of Bradich at second base. After another infield hit, Wagner had the tying run at the plate, but Funston worked her way out of trouble by getting Emily Pierce to line out to third.

Loyola tacked on a run in the fourth inning and Lauren Gonzalez gave the Ramblers a 5-0 cushion when she laced a RBI single to center that scored Stephanie Cihlar, who had led off the fifth inning with a walk.

Cihlar's RBI bunt single in the sixth inning gave Loyola a 6-0 lead and Funston would follow with a two-run poke later in the inning to extend the advantage to 8-0.

The Ramblers banged out 10 hits for the game, led by Funston (2-for-4, two home runs, four RBI), Jenna Grim (3-for-3, home run, RBI) and Cihlar (2-for-3, two runs, RBI). Funston struck out two and scattered four hits to earn her first win since 2007.

Loyola takes in Indiana State later this morning.