April 24, 2012
Box Score
CHICAGO - Loyola was able to scratch out an unearned run in the third inning and sophomore Brittany Gardnermade it stand up, allowing only two hits while striking out 10, as the Ramblers knocked off Northwestern, 1-0, this afternoon at Loyola Softball Park. It is LU's second win over the Cats since 2010 and pushes its record to 19-20 on the season. Northwestern drops to 18-25 with the loss.
The visitors threatened early, putting runners on second and third in the top of the first with just one out. However, Gardner escaped unscathed by striking out the next two hitters. The Ramblers also carved out an opening in their first at-bat as Brooke Andresen was hit by a pitch and Jessica Balzanofollowed with a bunt hit to put runners on first and second. Consecutive force plays at third base followed before a fly out to right ended the threat.
Loyola finally broke through in the third, with Andresen getting hit again to open the frame. She moved up to second on a passed ball and, one out later, came around to score on a throwing error to give LU a 1-0 lead. The Ramblers had a chance to add another but stranded runners on first and second.
Gardner retired the Wildcats in order in each of the next two innings before issuing consecutive walks to open the top of the sixth. Again, she was up to the task, fanning the next three hitters to get out of the jam.
The Ramblers went down in order in the bottom half and Gardner retired the lead-off hitter in the top of the seventh before plunking the next batter to put the tying run on base. A groundout to short put the Ramblers one out away but Mari Majam's bunt single kept NU alive, putting runners on the corners. Once again, Gardner rose to the occasion, getting Adrienne Monka to harmlessly foul out to Balzano for the final out.
Gardner tied her win total from last season and improved to 14-8 on the year. In addition, it marked the fourth time this season that she fanned at least 10 in a game.
Loyola travels to Purdue tomorrow for a doubleheader before opening a key Horizon League series on Saturday at Valparaiso.
