Feb. 16, 2014
Box Score
Auburn, Ala. - A five-run fourth inning sent Nebraska-Omaha past the Loyola University Chicago softball team, 9-2 in the Ramblers' final game of the Tiger Invitational in Auburn, Ala. Despite a two-run home run from Jessica Balzano, the Ramblers were held to just two hits in the loss and fall to 3-6 on the season.
The Mavericks jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning after an Allie Matthewson single, a Lia Mancuso walk, and a Campbell Ditto hit by pitch loaded the bases for Amber Lutmer. Lutmer's sacrifice fly to center field brought home Matthewson, giving Omaha an early one-run lead.
Omaha continued its offensive momentum in the bottom of the second, after back-to-back singles and a walk again loaded the bases for the Mavericks. Another sacrifice fly, this time by Ditto, made the score 2-0. Omaha again added to its total in the bottom of the third, when a Lizzie Noble home run put the Mavericks up 3-0.
Loyola fought back in the top of the fourth inning, starting with an Erica Nagel single to lead off the frame. Balzano followed it with a two-run blast to left center, bringing the Ramblers within one.
A big fourth inning for the Mavericks proved too much for Loyola to handle. After a lead off single and walk, Ditto doubled to center field to score both base runners. Two more walks loaded the bases for Noble, whose single to right field scored two more. Another single up the middle by Nicole Warren allowed Tonya Peterson to score before Noble was thrown out at the plate
In the bottom of the sixth, Kristina Vizza replaced Ashley Rogers on the mound after an Omaha led off the frame with a single and a walk. After the change, a Noble double down the left field line brought Sydney Hames around to score, giving Omaha a 9-2 lead. Vizza stemmed the tide with two strikeouts and a groundout, however, to get Loyola out of the inning.
Loyola's last chances came in the top of the seventh inning, but the Ramblers couldn't capitalize. Two strikeouts and a flyout kept the Maroon & Gold off the base paths, and Omaha earned the victory, 9-2.
Balzano led the Ramblers at the plate with a 1-for-3 day that included one home run and two RBI. Ashley Rogers took the loss for Loyola in the circle, giving up nine runs on ten hits in five innings pitched.
The Ramblers return to action next weekend when they travel to Memphis, Tenn. for the Blues City Classic.
