April 22, 2014

Box Score

CHICAGO - The Loyola University Chicago softball team earned a series win over Missouri Valley Conference foe Indiana State with a 4-3 decision in today's series finale. Behind a two-run triple from Olivia Bell, the Ramblers claimed a decisive victory over the Sycamores, improving to 17-27 overall and 8-12 in the MVC.

"Indiana State is a tough team with a solid pitching staff," said head coach Missy Beseres. "I am proud of our team for bouncing back after a tough weekend and taking this series against the Sycamores on our home field. Olivia (Bell) came up with a clutch hit with runners in scoring position, and I thought Brittany (Gardner) pitched smart all afternoon."

The Ramblers got on the board early in the bottom of the first inning, putting together a two-out rally to take a two-run lead. With two outs, Lauren Moore hit a sharp single up the middle and Tarran Shaffer followed it up with a two-run blast over the center field fence to put the Ramblers up 2-0.

Indiana State threatened in the top of the third inning, stringing together a pair of one-out singles and a hit by pitch to load the bases. Erika Crissman then roped a double into center field to plate two runs and tie the game, 2-2. After the Sycamores drew a walk to again load the bases, Rambler second baseman Jessica Balzano grabbed a laser lineout and doubled the Sycamore base runner off third base to end the inning.

Loyola continued to attack Sycamore pitcher Taylor Lockwood in the bottom of the third inning, starting with a Balzano single into center field. After Balzano stole second and Shaffer drew a walk, Bell slapped a two-out triple over the head of the Sycamore center fielder, plating two runs and giving Loyola a 4-2 lead. The three-bagger was Bell's fourth of the season, as the senior ranks second in the conference in triples.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Yvette Alvarez was brought on to pitch for Indiana State and promptly issued a four-pitch leadoff walk to Annie Korth. The Ramblers subsequently hit into a double play, however, and another line out ended the inning.

The Sycamores attempted to capitalize on a lead off walk in the top of the sixth inning, advancing the runner to third base on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. Gardner would have none of it, however, and fanned the last batter of the frame to strand the Sycamore at third base and escape the inning unscathed.

In the top of the seventh inning, Gardner struck out the lead off batter before a Loyola fielding error allowed Kassie Brown to reach first base and a Morgan Allee double plated one run to bring the Sycamores within one, 4-3. Loyola shortstop Brie Pasquale grabbed a pop up to end the frame, however, and give Loyola the series victory.

Bell and Shaffer finished with two RBI a piece, with Shaffer also scoring two of Loyola's four runs.

The conference leader in strikeouts (121), Gardner earned the win in the circle, giving up three runs on six hits and fanning six in seven innings pitched.

The Ramblers are back in action tomorrow when they host Northern Illinois in a 3:00 p.m. CT doubleheader at Loyola Softball Park in Chicago, Ill.