March 9, 2013

Box Score

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Sophomore Amanda Ciran tossed her second career one-hitter and Lauren Moore and Brie Pasquale each homered as Loyola University Chicago (9-6) won its third straight game with a 5-0 victory over Providence this afternoon at the USF Under Armour Showcase.

Loyola jumped out to a quick one-run lead when junior Moore smashed her fifth home run of the spring, a solo blast, over the left field fence in the bottom of the first inning. The third baseman has already surpassed her home run total from last season (3) and has nearly matched her total from her first two seasons combined (7).

The game was a pitcher's duel for the next two innings until Loyola broke through against Providence starter Kiara Amos for single runs in the fourth and fifth innings before wrapping up the scoring with two more runs in the sixth.

Brooke Andresen added to her Loyola career record for hits when she singled home Hannah Jenkins in the fourth and Pasquale crushed a solo home run, her third of the year, to center in the fifth as Loyola stretched its lead to 3-0, and Jessica Balzano's two-run single in the sixth gave Ciran plenty of room to breath.

The sophomore righthander, who struck out four and walked five, flirted with history, holding the Friars hitless until catcher Stephanie Kiesel ripped a double down the left field line with one out in the seventh inning. Only three runners advanced as far as second base against Ciran in only her second start of the spring.

Loyola wraps up its 10-day spring trip when it takes on LIU Brooklyn tomorrow morning at 11:15 a.m. Eastern