Boxscore (PDF) 

CHICAGO (April 24, 2018)
 
In Short
Visiting Valparaiso (20-21, 7-12 MVC) used a four-run sixth inning to break open a one-run game and earn a 5-0 victory over Loyola University Chicago (21-22, 7-12 MVC) in game two of a doubleheader Tuesday at Loyola Softball Park. The Ramblers have dropped their last three contests.
 
How It Happened
A pair of double plays early in the game thwarted some Loyola rallies and seemed to deflate the Rambler offense. Allyson Ivey led off the bottom of the second inning with an infield hit, but was later doubled off first on a line out and one inning later, after Ashley Parenti led off with a base hit up the middle, Valpo starter Kenzie Grossmann rolled a double play grounder to squelch the Rambler threat.
 
Stephanie Moreno's RBI single in the fourth inning gave the Crusaders the lead, but Loyola tried to mount one more charge in the fourth. However, righthander Emily Richardson, who came on in relief with two outs in the inning, escaped harm this time, stranding a pair of Ramblers on base.
 
Valpo blew the doors off with a four-run sixth inning that put the game out of reach, with the big blow coming via a two-run double off the bat of Morgan Matalin. 
 
A Look At The Numbers

• Loyola managed just four hits off a pair of Valpo pitchers.
• Jones pitched a complete game and struck out two for the Ramblers.
• Matalin enjoyed a 2-for-3 performance to lead the Crusaders.
• Richardson earned the win in relief, tossing 3.1 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball.

 
Up Next
Loyola makes the short trek north on Sheridan Road into Evanston to face Northwestern tomorrow at 4 p.m.