April 5, 2014
Box Score
Peoria, Ill. - A three-run fifth-inning propelled Bradley University past the Loyola University Chicago softball team in the second game of today's doubleheader at Laura Bradley Park in Peoria, Ill. With the 4-2 loss, the Ramblers fall to 12-18 overall and 3-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while the Braves improve to 17-19 and 8-3 in the MVC.
Bradley got on the board first in the bottom of the third inning when a Brianne Joseph triple brought in the game's first run. After Brittany Burgess drew a walk, Joseph roped a triple down the right field line to push Burgess across, giving Bradley a 1-0 lead.
Loyola was quick to respond, however, putting together a two-run fourth inning to gain a 2-1 lead. After Jessica Balzano dropped a bunt to lead off the frame with a single, Lauren Moore reached on a fielding error by the third baseman and advanced Balzano to second. Tarran Shaffer then singled through the left side to load the bases for Olivia Bell, who hit a ground ball that the Bradley pitcher opted to throw to second for the first out of the inning, allowing Balzano to score. Alyssa Mannucci followed it up with a single to center field, plating Moore and putting the Ramblers up 2-1.
Bradley came back to regain the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, stringing together two singles, two walks and a sacrifice fly to plate three and make the score 4-2. After Burgess led off the frame with a single and Mariah Cole walked, Joseph singled and advanced to second on a Loyola fielding error, scoring Burgess. Cole then scored on a wild pitch and Joseph crossed the plate on an Alyson Clemente sacrifice fly to give Bradley a 4-2 lead.
After neither team scored in the sixth inning, Loyola was unable to overcome the two-run deficit in the top of the seventh despite a lead off single from Annie Korth, falling to Bradley 4-2.
Balzano led the Ramblers at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with one run. Ashley Rogers took the loss for Loyola in the circle, giving up four runs on seven hits and fanning two in six innings pitched.
Loyola is back in action tomorrow for the series finale versus Bradley at Laura Bradley Park in Peoria, Ill. First pitch is scheduled for noon CT.
